CLARKSTON, WA – Local residents are reminded of the controlled burning requirements and free wood waste disposal guidelines currently in place within Asotin County.
According to the Controlled Burning Policy, outdoor burning is only permitted during designated spring and fall periods. The spring season runs from April 1 to May 31, while the fall season runs from October 15 to December 15, pending air quality and weather conditions. Residents are advised to call 243-2002 to confirm daily burning conditions.
Burning is allowed between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. All fires must be extinguished, including all embers, by 4 p.m. Burn piles must not exceed four feet by four feet by three feet in height and must be located at least 50 feet away from buildings or combustible materials.
Fires may be ordered extinguished if considered a nuisance to neighboring properties.
A number of materials are prohibited from being burned. These include garbage, oil, grease, lawn clippings, leaves, commercial and industrial waste, products containing rubber, demolition debris, asphalt shingles, treated wood, telephone poles, and other materials producing dense smoke or odors. Burn barrels are not permitted under state law.
No special permits will be issued for burning outside the allowed dates or for oversized piles or prohibited materials.
Agricultural burn permits and related questions should be directed to the Washington State Department of Ecology at (509) 324-3400 or via email at agburn@ecy.wa.gov.
Penalties for violations range from $200 for the first offense to up to $10,000 for repeated violations.
In addition to the burning policy, the Asotin County Regional Landfill is continuing its free wood waste disposal program. This service is available to Asotin County and other Washington State residents as an alternative to open burning.
Acceptable materials include tree limbs and branches less than 24 inches in diameter and shorter than eight feet, shrubs and bushes, and untreated wood pallets without paint, plastic, or cardboard attached.
Materials not accepted include treated lumber, railroad ties, construction and demolition debris, grass clippings, leaves, and municipal solid waste. Mixed loads will not be accepted under the free program and must be disposed of through regular landfill services at the standard gate charge.
More information on the disposal program is available by contacting the Asotin County Regional Landfill at 509-758-9230 or visiting www.asotincountyregionallandfill.com. For further details about controlled burning policies, residents can contact the Asotin County Building and Planning Department at 243-2020.
