Residential and land clearing burning was banned in all urban growth areas (UGAs) in the state of Washington beginning January 1, 2007, under RCW 70.94.743(1).
In 2006 Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) notified residents and fire protection agencies about that law in the 17 known UGAs within our jurisdiction. However, the Irondale/Port Hadlock area’s UGA designation was unknown to ORCAA at that time.
ORCAA only recently learned that the Irondale/Port Hadlock area is designated as an Urban Growth Area. ORCAA endeavors to uphold the state clean air laws to the best of its ability to ensure clean air quality for all its residents. Toward that end, residents of the Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA are being informed that ORCAA will work closely with the East Jefferson Fire Rescue unit to enforce the state clean air laws governing burning within a UGA.
We ask that you obey the law and be considerate and respectful of the community’s right to breathe clean air. Violation of burn ban regulations may result in enforcement action and the issuance of a civil penalty.
Maps of the no-burn areas and information regarding alternatives to outdoor burning can be found on ORCAA’s website. ORCAA encourages everyone to use this as an opportunity to explore safe, reasonable alternatives to outdoor burning. Alternatives include:
- Use a mulching mower to reduce or eliminate grass clippings.
- Chip and/or compost your yard and garden debris.
- Haul your yard and garden debris to a community composting facility
Residents should also be aware that burning any form of garbage – including paper –is prohibited at all times by state law. Burn barrels are also illegal everywhere in Washington state.
Current burn ban status can be found at: WaBurnBans.net or www.orcaa.org
