■Burn Ban in EffectMost restrictive fire-danger area
Open burning is currently prohibited in Chelancounty. The order took effect on July 23, 2026 (DNR-protected land only — county and fire-district rules apply on top).
A DNR burn ban covers state forests, state parks and private forestlands that DNR protects. Counties, fire districts and the Department of Ecology set their own rules for everything else.
The areas in this county carry different rules. The status above is the most restrictive of them. Which one applies to you depends on where
exactly you are — check the area you are in below, and call the office listed if you are unsure.
Chelan FDRA
about 77% of the county (approximate)
· effective Jul 23, 2026
■Burn Ban in Effect
Rule Permit and Recreation burns are banned
Effective 7/23/2026: All burning within DNR jurisdiction is prohibited. This includes all campfires, "Rule Burns" and permit burns. Check with your local fire district and county as additional restrictions may be in place. Fireworks, and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns or tracer ammunition are illegal on all DNR protected lands.
All burning within DNR jurisdiction is prohibited. This includes all campfires, Rule Burns, and permit burns. Check with your local fire district and county as additional restrictions may be in place. Fireworks, and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns or tracer ammunition are illegal on all DNR protected lands.
The wording in each area above is Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer's own, and it is the authority for
what you may burn on DNR-protected land. Two further systems apply on top:
Your county and fire district
They set their own outdoor burning rules and can go further than the state. Call your fire district before you burn.
Air-quality burn bans
The Department of Ecology and regional Clean Air Agencies call separate bans based on air quality. Those run on their own schedule.
Penalties in Washington
Fireworks and incendiary devices — exploding targets, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition — are illegal on all DNR-protected lands under RCW 76.04.455. Anyone who starts a wildfire can also be billed for the cost of suppression and held liable for property damage.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer and reports them unchanged.
Cities and municipalities within Chelan county may impose stricter rules than the county order.
Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions.
When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status.
The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Chelan county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Chelan county is currently under a burn ban issued by Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer, effective since July 23, 2026. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Chelan burn ban start?
The Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer order took effect on July 23, 2026 (DNR-protected land only — county and fire-district rules apply on top). It stays in effect until conditions improve or the order is formally lifted.
What can I still burn in Chelan county during this ban?
During a burn ban, small cooking fires (grills, camp stoves) typically remain allowed. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and trash is prohibited. Consult the county order or fire marshal for exceptions — some jurisdictions permit specific commercial activities.
How do I report an illegal fire in Chelan county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For non-emergency violations of a burn-ban order, contact the Chelan Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.