All outdoor burning in unincorporated Pierce County has been banned effective 8 a.m. today, Fire Marshal Wayne Wienholz announced.
The burn ban was declared by the fire marshal in cooperation with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs Association and Department of Natural Resources.
The action was prompted by forecasts calling for continued dry, warm weather. In past years burn bans declared in mid summer have remained in effect until fall.
In Pierce County, recreational campfires are allowed if built in metal or concrete-lined fire pits located in designated campgrounds, such as those typically found in local, county and state parks and in commercial campgrounds. Campfires are also allowed if located on private land with the landowner’s permission and if built in an approved manner.
These fires must:
– Grow no larger than three feet across;
– Be located in short green grass or in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in any direction (including a 10-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches); and
– Be attended at all times by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
Persons with approved DNR burn permits may call 1-800-323-BURN for information related to their permits.