Fire Regulations in Clark County, WA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Clark County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
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
Recreational fire pit rules in Clark County
Some RestrictionsClark 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.
Fireworks
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.
Fireworks rules in unincorporated Clark County
Some RestrictionsClark 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.
Brush Clearance
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.
Brush clearance and defensible space in Clark County
Some RestrictionsClark 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.
Outdoor Burning
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.
Outdoor yard-debris burning in Clark County
Some RestrictionsSWCAA 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.
Smoke Detectors
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.
Smoke detector requirements in Clark County
Some RestrictionsRCW 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 ...
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