May 4, 2016: Urban Growth Areas of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, and Yacolt.
Into the future, as Urban Growth Areas change, so will the no burn areas.
January 1, 2007: Urban Growth Areas of Ridgefield, La Center and Yacolt
Under the provisions of the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act, the southern portion of Clark County exceeded federal standards for carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3). This required a ban on outdoor burning within the designated non-attainment area and restrictions on auto emissions and industrial pollutants. The area has since achieved attainment status and was designated a CO/O3 maintenance area. However, the restrictions remain in place to assure continuing attainment and compliance with the FCAA.
With the revision of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-425 in 2000, Washington's outdoor burning rules were amended as follows: On January 1, 2001 outdoor burning was prohibited in the Urban Growth Areas of cities with a population of greater than 5,000. Prohibitions also applied in adjacent areas with a population density of one thousand or more persons per square mile and areas with a reasonable alternative to burning. As of January 1, 2007 urban growth areas for incorporated cities with populations less than 5,000 also become no burn areas. These rules affect Clark County as follows:
The southern Clark County no-burn area was expanded to include portions of the Vancouver, Camas and Washougal urban growth areas that extend beyond the original non-attainment area. The Battle Ground no burn area was created within the boundaries of its urban growth area. On January 1, 2007 the urban growth areas of Ridgefield, Yacolt and La Center became no burn areas. At that time, residential and land clearing burning was prohibited.
Burning has been permanently banned in both of these areas, with the exception of recreational fires under 3'x3'x2' and are at least 50 feet from any structure. Future restrictions may follow based on urban growth boundaries, population density and access to alternatives. Call the Southwest Clean Air Agency at 360-574-3058 for more information.
2001: Battle Ground Urban Growth Area and portions of the Vancouver-Camas-Washougal Urban Growth Areas that extend beyond the non-attainment area.
1990: South Clark County non-attainment area.
