Campfires & Outdoor Burning

What is a compliant Campfire in Chelan County (Defined as the Campfire Area)  

• An outdoor fire burning area for recreational fires

• Only natural wood materials other than rubbish can be burned

• You must have ALL combustible materials removed down to mineral soil 

• You must have a containment area of Rock, Metal, Concrete or any other non-combustible material 

• Shall not be more than thirty-six inches in diameter 

• All combustible materials one and one-half feet surrounding the fire must be removed

• Fuel for the campfire must not extend above the edge of the campfire containment area

• Campfires must always be attended by at least one person

• You must maintain means to extinguish the fire entirely

Failure to adhere to these rules may result in extinguishment by Fire personnel and citation by law enforcement.   

Between October 1st and May 31st, Open Burning is usually allowed

• Burn piles must be attended at all times 

• You must have means to extinguish on site 

• Burn piles may not be larger than 4 feet by 4 feet 

• Call Department of Ecology to confirm it is a burn day 1-800-406-5322 recording prompts #1 and #2.

• Fires must be extinguished by dusk 

• Land Clearing burns must have special permission from Department of Ecology obtain a permit at 509-575-2490 or visit https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Air-Quality-permits/Burn-permits

Outdoor Burning Restriction is in effect June 1st through October 1st :

• Burning yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings are prohibited.

• Burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation is prohibited.

• Residents may still have campfires so long as the fire is in an approved pit or area.

• Restricted open flame devices, meaning using devices liable to start a fire in moderate fire hazard areas

• Portable fireplaces are allowed so long as they’re on noncombustible surfaces and burn only natural wood products.

• Moderate travel restrictions are also in effect, meaning motorists can’t operate vehicles off the roadway

• Campfires in Compliant pits may be allowed during this time, check for current restrictions. 

• Portable Propane Campfires are usually allowed under these restrictions but can still be dangerous depending on conditions 

• During a burn ban, fire danger in increased and burning brush, needles or yard waste is not allowed and will be extinguished. 

It is Prohibited in Washington State to burn the following materials:

Garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, treated wood, construction/demolition debris, metal, or any substance (other than natural vegetation) that normally releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or obnoxious odors when burned.

Burn Barrels are also illegal. Please review below in additional resources why burn barrels are illegal in Washington State.

Please remember that discharge of Fireworks is prohibited in

Chelan County (This includes Snakes and Sparklers). 

Chelan County Code Chapter 7.44 Resolution 2016-59

Please read the resolution regarding fireworks in Chelan County. 

Fireworks Chelan County Resolution