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Burning Information
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 All burn permits will be rescinded between these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.
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.
If I cant 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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