Clark County, WA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Clark County, WA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Permanently banned
- Cities + urban growth areas
- Allowed material
- Natural vegetation only
- Free permit up to
- 10 x 10 x 6 ft pile
- Burn barrels
- Illegal
- Regulator
- SWCAA, 360-574-3058
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) regulates outdoor burning in Clark County. Residential burning and land-clearing burning are permanently banned in the Southern Clark County no-burn area and the cities and urban growth areas of Vancouver/Camas/Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center and Yacolt. Outside those areas, only natural vegetation grown on the property and untreated firewood may be burned; burn barrels are illegal. A free permit is required for fires up to 10x10x6 feet; larger piles need a written permit from the Clark County Fire Marshal. Burning is also seasonally banned each summer and during any fire-danger burn ban.
Violations & Fines
SWCAA regulation prohibits burning during impaired air quality and any burn that becomes a nuisance; violators face civil penalties from SWCAA and the fire marshal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard debris in Vancouver or its urban growth area?
Do I need a permit to burn brush on rural property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
How Clark County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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