Spokane County Building and Codes Enforcement Director Randy Vissia, who also holds County Fire Code Official responsibilities, has extended the Burning Ban Order for any unauthorized “open burning” and recreational fires within the unincorporated areas of Spokane County until further notice. After consulting with local Fire Protection agencies, it was determined that the current burn ban should be extended.
The ban is not intended to preclude burning otherwise sanctioned by Ordinance, such as field burning, provided appropriate approvals are obtained. It also does not preclude the use of backyard barbecues, chimneys and other patio/deck warmers as long as only approved fuel such as seasoned firewood, briquettes, or propane is used.
Failure to comply with the burning ban could have serious consequences. As stated in Spokane County Code 3.02.090: “Any person(s) conducting open burning who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue such burning when ordered to do so shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”
For more information, please contact Codes Administrator Art Erickson at 477-3675.
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