Five-Day Window Open To Burn Yard Waste

Thu., Oct. 16, 1997

By Ward Sanderson wards@spokesman.com

Spokane County’s five-day burn season starts Saturday.

People living outside the county’s no-burn area can burn yard waste through Oct. 26. Those dates may change, though, depending on the weather.

But the Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority prefers that people burn as little as possible.

“Many people still use fire to dispose of leaves, branches and other clipping from their yard,” said SCAPCA’s Lisa Woodard. “The smell or burning is really a reminder that we’re polluting the air … there are alternatives to burning.”

She encourages composting and mulching. And, recycling and transfer stations accept yard debris and tree trimmings at a special rate. The first 260 pounds is disposed of free and costs a penny per pound thereafter.

Those who choose to burn instead should follow these rules:

Burning will be allowed only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Burning of lumber, boards or anything other than dry vegetation is prohibited.

Only one pile - no larger than 4 feet in diameter, no taller than 3 feet high - may be burned at a time.

Any open fire must be set on a surface that won’t catch fire itself, such as concrete. It must be 50 feet from anything combustible, such as houses or fences. Fire breaks must be built around open fires.

Fires must be attended.

Water must be nearby - from a hose, pail, wet sacks, etc. Hand tools, such as a shovel, should be nearby to extinguish the fire.

Fires aren’t allowed when strong winds are blowing.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Fall yard waste buring season

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Burn dates Spokane County residents living outside the no-burn area can burn yard and garden debris Oct. 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. These dates are subject to change due to impaired air quality or adverse weather conditions. Before burning, call 456-4710 for an update on conditions. For more information, call SCAPCA at 456-4727.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Burn dates Spokane County residents living outside the no-burn area can burn yard and garden debris Oct. 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. These dates are subject to change due to impaired air quality or adverse weather conditions. Before burning, call 456-4710 for an update on conditions. For more information, call SCAPCA at 456-4727.

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