Some yard debris burning will be allowed

Eligible Spokane county residents may burn residential yard and garden debris on two consecutive four-day “weekends” – this Friday through Monday, and April 11 through 14, according to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

A copy of the No Burn Boundary map and requirements are available online at www.spokanecleanair.org/yard_and_garden_debris_burning.asp or by calling 477-4727. The debris material is limited to dry, natural vegetation originating on property immediately adjacent to the residence. Forest-related debris and agricultural debris is not considered yard and garden debris.

Residents eligible to burn must live:

•Outside the No Burn Boundary

•Outside the city/town limits and urban growth areas of Spokane’s 13 incorporated cities and towns

•Outside the boundaries of Fairchild Air Force Base

Once a person has determined he is eligible to burn, he must follow the burning requirements, including burning only one 3-foot by 2-foot pile at a time, burning only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (fires must be completely out by 5 p.m.). All requirements are listed on Spokane Clean Air’s Web site or by calling the agency at 477-4727, and must be followed at all times. Failure to do so could result in fines stating at $200 for first-time violators.

Residents may want to consider alternatives to burning that include composting, chipping and mulching. Outdoor burning releases microscopic particles into the air, putting children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions, at risk, according to Spokane Clean Air.