Okanogan County lifts burn restrictions

As of Friday, Oct. 25, Okanogan County’s burn restriction was lifted, the county emergency management agency said.

Natural vegetation may now be burned within unincorporated areas of Okanogan County, but they “strongly encouraged” people to call Okanogan County Sheriff Dispatch at 509-422-7232, option 4, before burning.

The county also said to be sure to check on current burning rules/restrictions with your city, town, and the state Dept. of Natural Resources (www.DNR.wa.gov).

That site lists current fire danger level and outdoor burning restrictions for lands managed by DNR.

(DNR burning restrictions may apply to your private property if you are assessed a DNR Fire Control tax.  This can be found on your county tax statement).

Allfires must be attended to at all times

On the Colville Reservation, contact Mt. Tolman Fire Center for burning rules/restrictions, 509-634-3100.

Visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or the Colville National Forest Websites for fire danger and outdoor burning restrictions for lands managed by the Forest Service.

For Air Quality burn bans go to DOE and climate information.

“BURN RESPONSIBLY, do not be the one trying to explain how your controlled burn turned into an uncontrolled burn, and be a good neighbor and don’t let it smolder,” the county said in a statement Oct. 23 issued through the county’s Emergency Management alert service.