Some recreational fires are now allowed

||| FROM CHAD KIMPLE, SJC FIRE MARSHAL |||

The San Juan County Fire Marshal in conjunction with the San Juan County Fire Chiefs are allowing Recreational Campfires as of September 1st at Noon (12pm).

Recreational and cooking fires, limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, are allowed when safety precautions are followed. Recreational or cooking fires can consist only of charcoal, seasoned firewood, or propane-fueled firepits and must meet the following requirements:

• Always have either a charged hose or two 5-gallon buckets of water available.
• Fires must be 25 feet from combustibles, standing timber, or overhanging tree branches.
• A responsible person must always be present to monitor and/or extinguish the fire.
• Check to see if any additional burning restrictions may apply before lighting any outdoor fire.
• Resorts, parks, landowners may choose to restrict campfires.

All outdoor burning, including recreational and cooking fires, shall be prohibited in the event of the following:

• RED FLAG WARNING as issued by the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/fire/).

No residential or commercial burning through burn permits is allowed until October; opening date will be determined based on weather conditions.

Any questions about open burning should be submitted to Fire Marshal Chad Kimple at (360)378-3473, or email at firemarshal@sanjuanco.com.