County implements burn ban beginning July 3

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 3 all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County will be banned until further notice.

The Fire Marshal also is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

“With no precipitation in the forecast, increasing temperatures, and out of an abundance of caution, open burning in Clark County will be closed until further notice,” said Fire Marshal Donna Goddard. “This does not restrict recreational fires at this time.”

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County implements a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, under certain conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

Recreational campfires

Recreational campfires are allowed if built in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as those found in local, county and state parks. On private land, recreational fires must be built according to the following regulations:

• Fires must be built in a metal, stone or masonry-lined pit such as those seen in approved campgrounds or sold in home and garden stores.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.
• Fires must not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material, and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers or carports.
• Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old and with the ability to extinguish the fire using a shovel, five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
• Completely extinguish recreational fires by pouring water or moist soil on them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• Only charcoal or seasoned firewood (not lumber) may be used as fuel for a recreational fire.
• The use of burn barrels is illegal.
• Do not start any burn piles if east winds are occurring or forecasted to occur.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility! All outdoor fires must be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is extinguished. Provide adequate means for extinguishing a fire and keep it readily available. Don't burn if wind conditions make it hazardous to do so. Adhere to the fire safety requirements listed on your permit.