Residential Burning

Can I Burn……

.… tumbleweeds blown onto my property?

Windblown tumbleweeds that have been blown onto your property can be burned during an approved burn day if you are inside the Urban Growth Area (UGA). However, only wind-blown tumbleweeds can be burned.

… tumbleweeds that are growing on my property?

If the tumbleweeds are growing on your property, you cannot burn them in place.

You may want to consider an alternative to burning such as mulching, mowing, or composting. However, you may also want to try to control the weeds before they become a problem by mowing or using a commercial herbicide.

… in a woodstove, fireplace, or barbecue?

At the present time, in the City of Pasco and Franklin County, there are no restrictions on when you can use your woodstove, barbecue, or fireplace. However, you must burn properly to minimize the impact of smoke on your neighbors. Also, you cannot burn in your fireplace or woodstove if the State of WA issues a Level 2 restriction (stagnant air) warning unless it is your only source of heat.

… for recreation (campfire, bonfire, or outdoor fireplace)?

Recreational fire means (by definition) cooking fires, campfires, bonfires, and outdoor fireplaces using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking or pleasure purposes (WAC 173-425-030). Additional Codes apply depending on your location, specifically regarding location and clearances to property lines and combustible materials. Fires used for debris disposal are not considered recreational fires and are prohibited.

Inside the UGA: Recreational fires smaller than 3'x2' are allowed at any time and do not require a permit as long as you meet the minimum clearances to property lines and combustible materials unless it is a "No Burn Day". Any recreational fire larger than 3'x2' is prohibited.

… in a burn barrel?

The use of the traditional metal burn barrel is illegal throughout Washington State. This State rule is consistent with the International Fire Code.

… construction debris on my property?

The burning of construction debris is prohibited by state law, WAC 173-425-050 (2), and by Pasco Municipal Code which adopted the International Fire Code. Because of the significant amount of prohibited materials found in construction fires of the past, the International Fire Code and the WAC strictly prohibit any fire from occurring on a construction site. This includes the burning of vegetative debris and the burning of tumbleweeds. Burning illegally on a construction site will likely result in a violation and fine.

… on my small/hobby orchard?

Small hobby farms and small orchards are also subject to burning rules and regulations. If the farm or orchard sells what it produces and files a Schedule F with its income taxes, the farm is considered to be a commercial operation and is subject to the agricultural burning rules. All other farms and orchards are considered to be non-commercial. As with residential burning of yard waste, the location of the property is important.

Because outdoor burning has been substantially banned within the UGA, there are no "burn days".

If there are any questions concerning burning on hobby farms and orchards, please contact the City of Pasco or Franklin County.

… on a lot or area that is a fire hazard?

Brush and weeds on a piece of property can be considered a fire hazard and land must be maintained. In most cases mowing is an effective alternative to eliminate fire hazards.

PROHIBITED

  • Burning yard debris (leaves, branches, etc.) at your property
  • Transferring material from your property to outside the UGA (Urban Growth Area) for the purpose of burning the material per WAC 173-425-050
  • The use of burn barrels
  • Burning for land-clearing purposes
  • Burning tumbleweeds that are growing on your property
  • Burning garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start the fire), cardboard, treated wood, construction debris, metal, or any substance (other than natural vegetation ) which when burned releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or odors. WAC 173-425-050

Outside the UGA:

Contact Franklin County.

Campfires and/or barbecue pits shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a line or any structures or combustible materials, such as fences, power poles, trees/shrubs, etc, or under conditions that could cause a fire to spread. Campfires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.