Take care with recreational fires, fire pits

Sweltering summer days are giving way to cooler, comfortable fall temperatures. To extend summer and the “outdoor living” season, more people are turning to backyard burning appliances that burn either wood, propane, natural gas or charcoal. Just as the popularity of “outdoor living” is growing, so is the array of outdoor hearth appliances, including chimineas, patio heaters, fire bowls and other portable devices now commonly sold at home improvement stores and mass retailers. These devices, along with the more traditional outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and campfires, are considered recreational fires under state and local regulations. Recreational fires are allowed throughout Spokane County, but only under specific requirements per state and local regulations. Failure to follow rules can result in a fine, putting a damper on your outdoor fun. So before you purchase or use one of these devices, inform yourself on the requirements. Recreational Fires - Rules to Follow: * Keep it small not tall. Fires must not exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height. Fuel it right. Only approved fuels may be used: charcoal, natural gas, propane, firewood. Firewood must be dry, clean and natural (untreated) or manufactured logs. The fire cannot be used to dispose of anything, including paper, natural vegetation, garbage, etc. * Stay clear of structures. Check with your local fire department regarding setback requirements. * Stand guard and extinguish. A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times, and the fire must be completely extinguished before leaving it. * Ask first. Permission from a landowner, or owner’s designated representative, must be obtained before starting a recreational fire. * Mind the ban. Check for temporary outdoor burn restrictions before using your device. A ban may be issued by Spokane Clean Air if air quality is declining. More often and especially during the dry summer months, burning may be restricted by fire officials due to elevated fire danger. Spokane Clean Air posts these notices on our Burn Info Hotline at 509-477-4710 and online at www.spokanecleanair.org/burning_conditions.asp * Be a good neighbor. If smoke from your recreational fire bothers your neighbors, poses a threat or causes damage to their property or otherwise causes a nuisance, you must put it out immediately. For these reasons, you may wish to consider purchasing gas or electric devices versus wood burning units. * Do your homework. Building permits may be required for the installation of certain recreational fire devices (gas/propane appliances), check with your local building department. Other local rules may apply to your use of a recreational-type fire, such as homeowner association covenants, rental agreements, etc.—so be sure to check first before purchasing or using a device. Smoke and Your Health Before investing in a wood-fueled device, consider health impacts of smoke. Burning even natural, untreated firewood creates microscopic smoke particles that can affect you, your family members and neighbors. Smoke particles are 40 to 100 times smaller than a single grain of table salt. Particles contain toxic compounds that when inhaled, collect in the lungs, causing structural and chemical changes, as well as damage to the alveoli (tiny air sacs where oxygen enters the blood stream). Those at greatest risk are young children, the elderly, and those with existing heart and lung conditions.