Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: CD - Community Development

Directors' Update: Aug. 16, 2023

Business Meeting: Aug. 22, 2023

Summary:

Modify restrictions on outdoor burning to a full ban throughout unincorporated Lewis County

Publications: press release

Cover Letter To: Rieva Lester

Additional Copies To: Lee Napier, Dusty Breen, Ross McDowell, Curt Spahn, Doyle Sanford

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) concurs with the decision of the Lewis County Community Development Director, the County Fire Marshal and the Lewis County Fire Chief's Association that fuel moisture levels and weather conditions continue to worsen throughout unincorporated Lewis County, creating substantial fire danger; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC and the Fire Marshal recognize that this decision may alter recreational plans, and the decision to expand the burn restrictions to a total ban reflects the county's priority of public safety and the protection of personnel as well as property; and

WHEREAS, burn restrictions have been modified to prohibit all outdoor burning on all lands regulated by Lewis County, including recreational fires; and

WHEREAS, this modification prohibits all outdoor burning, which includes recreational fires. Until modified by the BOCC or the Lewis County Fire Marshal, only liquid gas or propane camp stoves that do not use solid briquettes and have an on/off controls are permitted.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the BOCC hereby repeals Resolution 23-196 and enacts a total burn ban on all lands regulated by Lewis County effective at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14, 2023, until such restriction is modified or rescinded by like resolution of the BOCC.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 22nd day of August, 2023.