District firefighter implements temporary ban on cremation

Date: Thursday April 15, 2021

Clark County is working with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Skamania, Cowlitz, Pacific, Lewis and Wahkiakum counties to implement this fire ban

Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young has put in place a temporary incineration ban that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 16 and end at 12:01 a.m. on April 23. Clark County joins the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Skamania. Cowlitz, Pacific, Lewis and Wahkiakum counties are implementing this fire ban.

The ban on burning applies to burning foreign objects in the open air.

Due to the increased risk of fire, Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young has put in place a temporary ban on cremation that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. Photo by Mike Schultz

The firefighter also revokes all burning permits issued before the ban. Permits can be reissued or renewed if the ban is lifted. The incineration restrictions do not apply to federally administered areas.

“The ban is being implemented because of the unusually dry conditions for this time of year,” said Young. “The forecast warm, dry weather and the lack of humidity for the next week will increase the potential for fire hazards.”

Woodland recreational campfires are only permitted in upgraded fire pits on designated campsites, such as commercial campsites, and in local, county, and state parks. Recreational fires are allowed on private land if they are built in accordance with the following regulations:

Recreational fires must take place in a fireplace lined with metal, stone or masonry, e.g. B. on improved campsites or in home and garden stores.
The size cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
Fires must be at least 25 feet from structure or other combustible material and at least 20 feet from overhead fuels such as tree branches, decking, or carports.
Fires must be monitored at all times by a responsible person aged 16 and over who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either 5 gallons of water or an attached and loaded water hose.
Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood, must not operate within 15 feet of any structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Extinguish recreational fires completely by covering them with water or damp soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
Self-contained storage ovens are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.

Young urges the county residents to help prevent forest fires by creating a “defensible space” around their homes. For more information on forest fire prevention, visit the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/code-administration/wildfire-prevention.

For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (564) 397-2186 or the county website at https://clark.wa.gov/code-administration/outdoor-burning.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.