Agency spells out rules, safe practices for backyard fires

The popularity of backyard fires appears to be growing, especially with metal backyard fire pits. The Spokane Clean Air Agency this week spelled out the do’s and don’ts for safe, legal burning as weather warms up and people move outdoors.

Lisa Woodard, spokeswoman for the agency, which monitors air pollution, said the agency has received an uptick in calls from people asking questions about outdoor burning at home.

Over the past three to four years, the calls have been increasing and people will ask questions about outdoor fires when the agency has a booth at events.

“It’s our impression these are more popular than ever,” she said.

In 2016, the agency received 260 complaints about outdoor burning.

Recreational fires are campfires and cooking fires as well as fires in backyard fire pits and patio warmers.

In a news release, Woodard said that recreational fires of those types are allowed on private property and designated public lands throughout Spokane County.

However, safety and the level of smoke need to be minded.

The fire must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

It is legal to burn only natural clean firewood or manufactured pellets or logs.

No waste paper, dimensional lumber, vegetation or garbage can be burned legally.

For safety, keep fires at least 25 feet from structures or combustibles. Someone capable of putting out the fire should watch it. A way to extinguish the fire should be at hand.

Property owners should be asked for permission to have a fire. Other rules such as homeowner covenants, fire protection issues and rental agreements may apply.

Mind any outdoor burning restrictions, which occur typically in late summer.

Outdoor fires produce harmful pollution, so be a good neighbor and control the amount of smoke, the agency said.

In addition, avoid exposure by small children, people with heart or respiratory illness or pregnant women.

For more information, go to www.spokanecleanair.org/