Burn bans lifted yesterday in Adams County

Area burn bans are set to be lifted as of Sept. 26, leaders of area fire districts announced recently.

Joel Bell, the chief of the Ritzville Fire Department, says burning can start on Sept. 26. Residents must call the sheriff’s office at 509-659-1122 before burning, and then again after. Burn piles must be 4x4x3 ft or smaller. Vegetation may be burned, garbage may not. Permits are not needed for residential burns inside of Ritzville city limits.

In Lind, Kevin Starring of Adams County Fire District No. 2 said burning can also start on Sept. 26. He said Agricultural burning still requires the normal permits, but residential burning of small yard piles do not require a permit. Yard waste can be burned, garbage can not. Burners must notify the sheriff’s office at 509-659-1122 in advance of burning.

Dave Miller of Adams County District No. 7 in Washtucna also said burning can begin on Sept. 26. No permits are needed for residential waste, but burners must inform Miller at 509-939-8304 and the sheriff’s office at 509-659-1122 before burning.

Adams County fire chief Scott Kembel said that in county areas, everyone wanting to burn needs to get a permit from him first by calling 509-659-1240. After obtaining the permit, burners must call the sheriff’s office at 509-659-1122 to inform them of the planned burn. Burning can be done in piles of 4x4x3 ft. Only yard waste can be burned, no garbage. Burning can start on Sept. 26.

Bell also said he wanted to remind residents that now is a good time to check the batteries in smoke alarms.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office also sent out a news release on Sept. 24, reminding smokers to exercise safety.

To prevent a cigarette fire, the office reminds people not to smoke if they are tired, have taken medicine that makes them drowsy, or if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The office also stresses to smoke outside of a home or building, and to never smoke in bed, as mattresses and bedding can ignite quickly.