Bonfires, campfires and even good, old-fashioned burn piles are back in style after Lewis County lifted its summer burn restrictions earlier this week.
Lewis County Fire Marshal Dyle Sanford announced Tuesday that restrictions on outdoor burning in all unincorporated areas of Lewis County would be lifted on Thursday. According to the announcement from Sanford, the lifting of the restrictions marks the end of the now annual burn restrictions in Lewis County. It is also supported by weather forecasts that suggest lower fire risks due to colder and wetter weather.
“After careful review of the current and extended weather forecast, the Lewis County Fire Marshal has determined that current weather conditions within Lewis County have improved and will lift the restriction to allow outdoor burning, subject to an open burning application and permit,” Sanford said in the recent news release.
While Lewis County in the past has taken a hands-off approach to burn restrictions, this year marked one of its first planned seasonal burn restrictions enacted in response to increasing wildfire risks in the area.
The Lewis County Board of Commissioners in July passed Resolution 25-189 that created an annual summer burn restriction that from now on will begin each year July 1 and end Oct. 15.
The restrictions, which will not go back into effect until next summer, include limiting campfires to 3 feet in diameter within a stone or metal fire circle and a certain distance from structures, requiring constant supervision of fires and extinguishing entirely with water.
According to the news release, there are still rules to outdoor burning even while restrictions have been lifted. Landowners are limited to burning only natural vegetation and restricted from burning garbage or other refuse.
Sanford added that while restrictions have been lifted those burning should still maintain responsible practices monitoring fires and fire risks on their property. Burning debris within city limits and urban growth areas is prohibited at all times.
“Lewis County Fire Marshal works closely with (Department of Natural Resources) local fire districts and local fire departments and strongly urges all county residents and property openers to be attentive to the condition of their properties through proactive fire prevention measures,” Sanford said in the release.
According to the release, the current burn status will remain in place unless modified or restricted by the Lewis County Board of Commissioners.
Thurston County has also lifted its burn restrictions.
