8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Clark County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational fires must burn in a metal, stone or masonry-lined pit no larger than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, sit at least 25 feet from any structure with 20 feet of overhead clearance, and be attended at all times by someone 16 or older. Only charcoal or seasoned
Clark County recreational fire rules (SWCAA / IFC 307)
Fires must be built in a metal, stone or masonry-lined pit not exceeding 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height. Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure with at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels. Only charcoal or seasoned firewood (not lumber) may be used.
In unincorporated Clark County, consumer fireworks may be discharged only from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. All other days are banned. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and M-80s are illegal statewide.
Clark County Code Ch. 5.28; RCW 70.77.395
Fireworks may be discharged in unincorporated Clark County from 9 am to midnight only on July 4, and from 6 pm Dec. 31 to 1 am Jan. 1. Using fireworks outside of the allowed dates and times will result in a civil fine. Fines start at $500 per violation.
Clark County recommends a 30-foot defensible space cleared of flammable vegetation around your house, with firewood and combustible debris moved at least 30 feet uphill. Washington's Wildland-Urban Interface Code sets 30, 50 or 100 feet by hazard level.
Clark County Wildfire Prevention
Create a 30-foot clear space around your house, called a 'defensible space.' Relocate firewood and other combustible debris (wood scraps, grass clippings, leaf piles, etc.) at least 30 feet uphill from your home.
Residential and land-clearing burning is permanently banned inside city limits and urban growth areas (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt) and the Southern Clark County no-burn area. Elsewhere, natural vegetation may be burned with a free permit for piles up to 10x10x6 feet.
SWCAA Outdoor Burning - Clark County
Residential burning and land clearing burning are permanently banned in the Southern Clark County no burn area and the cities and surrounding urban growth areas of Vancouver/Camas/Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center and Yacolt. A free permit is necessary for all fires up to 10 x 10 x 6.
Washington's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code took effect Oct. 29, 2023, and applies to new construction in mapped wildfire-hazard areas. Defensible space is set by hazard level: 30 feet for moderate, 50 feet for high and 100 feet for extreme. Clark County recommends a 30-foot clear zone around homes.
Washington law (RCW 43.44.110) requires smoke detection devices in all dwelling units. The owner is responsible for installation; tenants maintain them, including batteries. Alarms are required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level. Carbon-monoxide alarms are also required.
RCW 43.44.110
Installation of smoke detection devices shall be the responsibility of the owner. Maintenance of smoke detection devices, including the replacement of batteries where required for the proper operation of the smoke detection device, shall be the responsibility of the tenant. Any owner, seller, or tenant failing to comply with this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred ...
Small backyard recreational fires are allowed without a permit if they burn only charcoal or seasoned firewood in a 3-by-2-foot lined pit, at least 25 feet from structures, and are attended by someone 16 or older. All backyard fires are prohibited during a burn ban.
Clark County recreational fire rules
Fires must be built in a metal, stone or masonry-lined pit not exceeding 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height. Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure. An attendant at least 16 years old must remain present. Only charcoal or seasoned firewood (not lumber) may be used.
Residential propane storage follows the Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A, Chapter 61 / NFPA 58). Larger tanks must meet setback distances from buildings and lot lines, multiple installations must be 25 feet apart, and any single installation is capped at 2,000 gallons water capacity in congested areas.
1 cities in Clark County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Clark County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Clark County Ordinance Hub →