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Lewis County enacts total outdoor burn ban effective Aug. 4; county clarifies rule differences with state
Summary
Lewis County enacted a total burn ban on outdoor burning, including recreational fires, effective 12:01 a.m. Aug. 4. County staff clarified that the governor's burn ban has different scope and noted limited exceptions such as enclosed gas stoves and candles in glass enclosures.
Mindy Brooks, director of community development, announced that Lewis County is enacting a total burn ban on all outdoor burning—including recreational fires—effective Aug. 4 at 12:01 a.m.
"This is to enact a total burn ban on all outdoor burning, including recreational fires beginning today at 12:01, August 4," Brooks said, and she emphasized that the county’s ban differs from the governor’s burn ban and from some other jurisdictions. She said the governor’s burn ban did not include campfires on private property or campfires in state parks with approved fire rings; Lewis County’s ban does include campfires on private property. Brooks urged residents to check the applicable burn restrictions for their location, noting that federal lands and state park rules may differ.
Brooks also clarified allowable exceptions: liquid gas or propane stoves that can be shut off and candles placed in a glass enclosure. Staff told commissioners the county’s last comparable action banning recreational fires was in 2023 and that local conditions—not a routine annual policy—drove this declaration.
The county advised residents to consult local rules before burning and to observe the posted restrictions and enforcement guidance.
