Montesano Fire Department

Residential

Open Burning Regulations

A written permit from the Montesano Fire Department is required for all open burning within the City Limits of Montesano.

DO  (LEGAL):

• It is only legal to burn dry leaves, clippings prunings and other yard and garden refuse.
• It is only legal to burn during daylight hours (dawn to dusk).
• The burn pile must be less than 4 feet long, 4 feet wide and less than 3 feet high.
• The burn site must be at least 50 feet from any structure.
• You must have a shovel and a supply of water on sight at all times. A minimum 5- gallon pail of water or a charged garden hose is required.
• You may burn only one pile at a time.
• All open burning must be constantly attended by a competent adult capable of extinguishing the fire should the need arise.
• Burning is only allowed at the location specified on the permit.
• The permit holder shall contact the Montesano Fire Department at 249-4851 for updated burning conditions and to inform the department of the burn location prior to conducting the burn.
• If the smoke causes a nuisance the permit holder may be required to extinguish the fire.

 DON'T   (ILLEGAL):

• Burn Barrels are illegal. They have been illegal since January 1, 2000. They are serious pollution producers because they do not allow the fire to burn freely.
• It is illegal to burn household trash (paper, cardboard, etc) or raw garbage. It is permissible to use paper or card board to start the pile on fire.
• It is illegal to burn dead animals, asphalt products, petroleum products, paints, rubber, plastic or any other substances that when burned release toxic emissions, dense smoke or offensive odors.
• It is illegal to burn within 50 feet of any structure or within 500 feet of any forest slash.
• It is illegal to leave your fire unattended at any time or for any reason.
• It is illegal to burn during unsafe conditions, such as high winds, high temperatures and when burning bans are in effect. Contact your fire department prior to lighting any fire.

 PLEASE NOTE:

1. The permitee assumes all liabilities if the fire escapes, causes damage or loss to any person or property.
2. The Montesano Fire Department has the authority to require any fire to be extinguished at any time for cause or adverse weather conditions.
3. Failure to comply with any of these regulations is subject to the penalty provisions under WAC 173-425, and Municipal Code 6.04.090 and denial for any further burning permits for outdoor burning.
4. There shall be a $75.00 fine for each open burning violation cited.
5. The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency also may issue citations with fines of up to $10,000 per day for illegal burning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

                                    The Montesano Fire Department: 249-4851

                                                            Or

                                    Olympic Region Clean Air Agency: 1-800-422-5623