ORD 16-028ORDINANCE NO. 16-028
AN ORDINANCE adopting a new Chapter 8.60 of the Camas Municipal
Code, relating to outdoor burning.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMAS DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section I
A new Chapter 8.60 of the Camas Municipal Code, entitled, Outdoor Burning, is hereby adopted,
to provide as follows:
8.60.010 Fire chief-Responsibility and authority.
There are established specific rules and procedures for outdoor burning. The responsibility
for the enforcement of this chapter shall be upon the fire chief or designee of the fire
department to see that the public health and safety of the citizens of the city are maintained
and protected. The fire chief may prohibit outdoor burning when atmospheric conditions or
local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
8.60.020 Residential yard and agricultural burning.
Residential yard and agricultural field, forage grass or turf grass burning is prohibited.
8.60.030 Recreational fires.
Permitted fires are allowed for cooking, pleasure or ceremonial purposes, subject to
conditions to these activities including location, size of the fire and the materials burned,
subject to the following:
(1) With the exception of portable outdoor fireplaces in one and two family dwellings, fires
in approved containers shall be a minimum of 15 feet away from structures. Approved
containers shall be made of noncombustible materials, enclose the flames behind wire mesh
or other noncombustible mesh with openings not larger than one-half inch in diameter and
shall not be designed for the fire to be wider than three feet or higher than two feet.
(2) Fires other than in approved containers are required to be 25 feet or more from
structures and other combustible materials. Conditions which could cause fire to spread
(such as dry vegetation) to within 25 feet of a structure shall first be eliminated. Fires may
not be more than two feet high and three feet in diameter.
(3) Material being burned must be either charcoal or dry natural firewood.
( 4) Means of extinguishing the fire must be readily available, such as a charged garden
hose. The fire must always be constantly attended.
(6) Charcoal BBQs, gas grills, smokers and fires in permanent or listed portable containers
are exempt from this requirement.
(7) The fire marshal may issue a temporary bum ban within the city limits due to drought or
adverse conditions.
ORDINANCE NO . 16-028
(8) The air pollution authority or other state authority may prohibit all outdoor burning at
their discretion.
(9) Outdoor fires larger than the requirement listed in subsection (1) ofthis section require a
permit from the fire marshal's office and need special written permits from the SWCAA.
Bonfires shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or of combustible material.
(1 0) Outdoor and/or recreational fires are not allowed to become a public nuisance. In the
event that the wind carries the smoke onto a neighbor's property or into their house, the fire
must be immediately extinguished.
8.60.040 Burn barrels
The use ofburn barrels is prohibited throughout the state of Washington pursuant to RCW
7.28.060-Land clearing (burning) prohibited.
8.60.050 Land clearing
Land clearing by burning is strictly prohibited within the city limits . "Land clearing" is
defined as the removal of stumps, trees and other heavy vegetation that, when removed,
changes the scope and the intended use of the property.
8.60.060 Adoption by reference
RCW 70.94.740 through and including 70.94.780 pertaining to outdoor burning are hereby
adopted by reference.
8.60.070 Violation -Penalty
Any person violating the regulations for outdoor burning as set forth within this chapter
shall be guilty of a non-traffic civil infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than
$500.00 for each violation .
Section II
This ordinance shall take force and be in effect five (5) days om and after its publication
according to law.
PASSED BY the Council and APPROVED by the Mayor t [December, 2016.
APP.ROVED as to //: ;;rLi ~
City Attorney