Yakima-based fruit company fined for illegal burning

Washington Fruit and Produce Co. was fined $24,000 by the state Department of Ecology for illegally burning an orchard near Royal City.

According to a department news release, the company violated air quality rules by burning tree branches, roots, metal and plastic irrigation supplies when burning wasn’t allowed at Tyee Ranch near Royal City. Metal and irrigation supplies should never be burned.

Burning the branches and roots requires a permit to ensure the company is burning in such a way that protects the environment and does not contain particles that can get into people’s lungs. The company did not have such a permit and ranch officials said they have conducted two similar burns previously, according to the release.

The company can appeal the penalty within 30 days.