Local News

Commissioners Declare Burn Ban in Okanogan County

Jun 21, 2018

Citing weather conditions that are contributing to unusual fire conditions, and the potential for large and catastrophic fires, the Okanogan County Commissioners on Tuesday passed a resolution declaring a countywide burn ban.

The resolution says the Commissioners consulted with Fire Chiefs and officials from the Department of Natural Resources before declaring that a hazardous situation exists.

The burn ban goes into effect on July 1, 2018 and will remain in effect until the Commissioners rescind the ban. The City of Omak has also issued a burn ban that goes into effect on July 1, 2018.

The ban prohibits outdoor burning of combustible materials in the County. The use of gas or charcoal fired barbecues is still allowed however.

The ban does not include lands regulated solely by the DNR’s outdoor burn rules, DNR or Forest Service sites and campgrounds or lands within the Colville Reservation. The resolution notes however that those agencies may have their own burn bans in place and citizens are strongly encouraged to contact those agencies to get information on current burn restrictions.

The DNR’s burn information number is 1-800-323-BURN(2876). For information on lands within the Colville Reservation call (509)634-3100 and for the Forest Service you can contact the Tonasket Ranger District at (509)486-2186 or the Methow Valley Ranger District at (509)996-4003.