By RJ Myers

San Juan County Fire Marshal

Residential burning will be closing two weeks later than the scheduled date of May 31. Residential burn permits are issued for the burning of brush and limbs in areas of the islands that are not within Urban Growth Areas. Campfires will continue to be allowed in contained fire pits that are no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet in size, burning firewood only, not yard waste.

Burning during June will be limited to the hours of sunrise until noon daily and the current fire risk level for the county is moderate but is subject to change with changes in the weather.

The San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind county residents that residential burn piles can be no larger than 10 feet in diameter and must be monitored the entire duration of the burn. A charged hose and a shovel should be present when burning.

Commercial burn permits expire on May 31. Residential permits are not appropriate for land clearing operations. Land clearing operations require a commercial permit and may also require permits from the Department of Natural Resources.

The San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office also encourages residents to evaluate whether or not burning during June is necessary and explore alternative options of chipping yard waste or abstaining from burning until Fall when residential burning re-opens.