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Burning Information

Download a burning permit  here.

Outdoor burning is NOT permitted from July 15 through September 30 each year (beginning in 2008).  All burn permits will be rescinded between these dates.  Check with the Fire Marshal's Office and/or SW Clean Air Agency before resuming outdoor burning after September 30.

Check out other rules & regulations for recreational burning in Cowlitz County.

Before burning, please contact Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue at 360.578.5218 and make sure you are not in the permanent no burn area (map available below). There are some areas in Cowlitz County that are affected by the permanent no burn area (more information below on the areas affected), so please check with your local fire station prior to the commencement of burning. After you have verified you are not in the no burn boundary, pick up a burning permit (there is no charge for this permit) at a fire station near you. After you obtain the burn permit, you must call SW Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) at 1.800.633.0709 each day you plan on burning and listen to their recording to find out if burning is prohibited in your area for any reason.

If your pile is greater than 10' x 10' you must contact Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) or SWCAA and apply for a permit. The permit available on this website will not be valid for any burn pile that is greater than 10' x 10'.

Burn Barrels are ILLEGAL and are prohibited at all times!
It is ILLEGAL to burn Garbage as well!

What is outdoor burning?
Outdoor burning is burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It is also burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

 What are the "No Burn Boundaries" for the Longview/Kelso area?
Burning is ILLEGAL within the boundaries shown at the bottom of the page in red. The boundaries include the City of Longview and Kelso, as well as the Lexington, Columbia Heights, Mt. Solo, and Beacon Hill areas. There are others affected as well, so if you are unsure or have any questions concerning your location on the map, please stop by our Headquarters Station at 701 Vine Street in Kelso or call us at 360.578.5218. We would be glad to assist you.

Who do I contact for burning information?
All of your questions can be answered by contacting Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) at 1.800.633.0709 or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 1.800.323.2876. You must call 1.800.633.0709 prior to the commencement of any burning.

If I can’t burn, what should I do with all my yard waste?
Call your local solid waste department/landfill to find out what options are available to you (Free dump days during specific days and times of the year in Cowlitz County). Some other options instead of burning are:
  • Compost
  • Chip
  • Use curbside pickup
  • Haul to yard waste disposal stations
  • Hold community-wide or neighborhood cleanup days

What happens if I keep burning?
You can be fined for each violation (up to $10,000). In additional to your fine(s), you may also be held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire, which can be thousands of dollars.

How do I file a complaint about my neighbor burning?
Complaints about outdoor burning can be done by phone (1.800.633.0709) or online through SWCAA. After-hours complaints will be followed up on the next business day.

General Rules and Safety Tips For Safe Outdoor Debris Burning:

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Make sure you have a valid burn permit (depends on the size of your fire)

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Check with your local fire department - outside burning may be prohibited

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Check the weather - don't burn on dry, windy days

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Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. Don't pile it on the ground; it should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires in a screened receptacle

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Debris should not be accumulated for several days and then ignited because it becomes compacted and wet, increasing the air pollution, and making the fire burn longer

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Check local laws on burning debris because some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely

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Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass, and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned

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Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station...Burning garbage is ILLEGAL

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To control the fire you will need a hose, bucket and shovel for tossing dirt on the fire

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Be sure you are fully prepared before burning


 


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701 Vine Street * Kelso WA 98626 * 360.578.5218
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
(excluding legal holidays)

Copyright © 2010 Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue