Residential Burning FAQ104 - Benton Clean Air Agency

[RESIDENTIAL BURNING, cont.]

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Can I burn? My residence/business is outside the "Urban Growth Area".

If you are unsure as to whether you are inside or outside the UGA, you should call the Benton County Planning Department at 736-3086 (Tri-Cities) or 786-5612 (Prosser), or contact our office at 783-1304.

In 1995, the Washington State legislature changed some of the burning rules and how they were applied in different parts of the State. For those residents outside of the UGA, the following rules apply:

PROPERTY LOCATION

Outside UGA

burning garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start the fire), cardboard, treated wood, construction debris, metal, or any substance (other than natural vegetation) which when burned releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or odors." (WAC 173-425-050(2))

the use of burn barrels

You must have a burn day before you may burn. The burn message, updated by 9 AM, is 946-4489.
Only material generated at your residence can be burned.
Only dry, natural vegetation can be burned. Burning paper (other than enough to start fire), plastic, lumber, building debris, and garbage is strictly prohibited.
Someone must be in attendance of the fire at all times and be able to put out the fire if necessary.
No fires are allowed within 50 feet of any flammable structure.
The pile size is limited to 4 ft by 4 ft by 3 ft high.
Only one pile can be burned at a time. Continually feeding material into one fire is OK.
The fire must be extinguished if it creates a nuisance.
You can only burn at your residential property or the property owner's permission must be obtained prior to burning.
Your fire must be completely extinguished by the end of the burn day.

burning for weed abatement (including tumbleweeds growing on your property)
burning a recreational fire greater than 3 feet in diameter.

burning a recreational fire that is less than 3 feet in diameter
burning tumbleweeds that blew on to your property

You can download a flyer with information on the burn rules here.

In addition, the Benton Clean Air Agency's Regulation 1, Article 5,Section 5.02E, prohibits any fire from occurring on a construction site. This includes the burning of natural vegetation and tumbleweeds. If you need to burn on a construction site, you must contact the BCAA and obtain a Special Burning Permit.