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Mason County tightens outdoor burning rules to align with state law and ORCA practices
Summary
County updates to Chapter 9.48 add definitions, require on‑site permit inspections for some land‑clearing burns, and give the county tools to suspend or revoke burn permits; commissioners approved the changes after public questions about notification and enforcement.
The Mason County Board of Commissioners voted to amend Chapter 9.48 of the county code to update outdoor burning rules, align them with state law and the county’s ORCA (Olympic Regional Clean Air Agency) agreement, and strengthen permit accountability.
Randy Collins, the county fire marshal, described the update as largely a "cleanup" that adds a definition section for common public questions, codifies the county’s authority under its ORCA agreement to issue land‑clearing burn permits, and requires permit holders to meet the inspector on site and sign permits in the inspector’s presence. The draft also gives the county the ability to revoke or suspend burning privileges as an enforcement alternative for violations.
Public commenters sought clearer notice about burn bans and how urban growth area rules differ from county‑outside rules. Collins said the county follows the national fire danger rating system in coordination with DNR, and that burn restrictions are implemented according to those ratings; when restrictions are imposed the county shares notices on its website, Facebook, PSAs and with local media. Commenters also raised nuisance illegal burning; Collins and other staff explained that the fire department documents incidents and forwards incident reports to Environmental Health, which can issue citations under solid waste rules.
Commissioners emphasized the need for clear, enforceable rules so responders and enforcement staff can act consistently. After discussion, a motion to adopt the ordinance as presented passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: amendments aim to clarify expectations for residents and give enforcement staff specific tools to address unlawful or unsafe burning. Several residents said better public notice and clearer distinctions for urban growth areas would help compliance.
What’s next: county staff will publish the amended Chapter 9.48 and follow existing protocols to notify residents about burn restrictions; commissioners suggested further briefings on community notification practices.
