Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: CD - Community Development

Directors' Update: TBD

Business Meeting: July 1, 2025

Summary:

Adopt annual outdoor burn restrictions starting on July 15 and ending on October 15 every year, unless otherwise directed by the Board of County Commissioners. This would not apply to recreational campfires in approved receptacles.  

Publications: press release

Cover Letter To: Rieva Lester

Additional Copies To: Erika Katt, Doyle Sanford, Mindy Brooks, Kevin Engelbertson

Resolution

WHEREAS, consistent with the County’s legislative and police power authority, Lewis County may enact burn restrictions to protect public health, safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners concurs with the decision of the Lewis County Community Development Director and the County Fire Marshal that annual weather conditions create substantial fire danger throughout Lewis County during the summer months of July, August and September; and

WHEREAS, outdoor burning causes dozens of brush fires every year, putting property and lives at risk; and

WHEREAS, since 2015, Lewis County has enacted burn restrictions annually, with those restrictions beginning in June or July and extending through September or October; and

WHEREAS, an annual restriction will allow for better coordination between Lewis County, fire departments, neighboring counties, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the National Forest Service and will provide better predictability for the public.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Board of County Commissioners hereby restricts outdoor burning on all land regulated by Lewis County, effective every year beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 15 and extending through 11:59 p.m. October 15, as imposed by the Lewis County Fire Marshal, EXCLUDING recreational fires in designated campgrounds or on private lands in approved burning receptacles; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED nothing in this resolution shall limit the Board of County Commissioners' authority to alter the outdoor burning restrictions for Lewis County.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 1st day of July, 2025.