Residential Burning FAQ105 - Benton Clean Air Agency

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My residence/business is inside the Urban Growth Area of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, or Benton City. Can I burn?

Raking Leaves - (c) Microsoft If you are unsure as to whether you are inside or outside the Urban Growth Area (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.

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) required that all outdoor burning in cities larger than 5,000 be banned as of January 1, 2001. For cities smaller than 5,000, such as Benton City, outdoor burning was allowed until January 1, 2004. However, as of January 1, burning is now banned in the UGA of Benton City as well. Recent changes in the State law have further defined what types of burning can or cannot take place within the urban growth areas. Based on these changes, the following is a summary list of the applicable rules for burning in the urban growth areas of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and Benton City.

PROPERTY LOCATION

Inside UGA of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and Benton City

burning yard debris (leaves, branches, etc.) at your property
transferring material from Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, or Benton City to outside the UGA for the purpose of burning the material
the use of burn barrels
burning for land-clearing purposes
burning tumbleweeds that are growing on your property
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))

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

The BCAA encourages the use of alternatives to burning. A brief overview of these alternatives can be found here.

The use of woodstoves, fireplaces, and barbecues is still unrestricted. You may use these devices at any time. If you have any questions about the new burning rules, please contact us.

In addition, the BCAA'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.