■Burn Ban in EffectMost restrictive fire-danger area
Open burning is currently prohibited in Columbia county. The order took effect on July 24, 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.
Upper Basin FDRA
about 61% of the county (approximate)
· effective Sep 11, 2026
■Burn Ban in Effect
Rule Permit and Recreation burns are banned
Effective September 11, 2026, at 12:01am: Fire danger rating in Upper Basin FDRA is HIGH. All debris burning on DNR jurisdiction is prohibited. This includes rule burning and permit burning. Campfires are prohibited. Contact the county for information on recreation burning on improved property. Contact Department of Ecology to check if an air-quality ban is in place for your area.
about 39% of the county (approximate)
· effective Sep 18, 2026
▲Partial Restrictions
Other combination described
Effective 09/18/2026: Campfires are allowed in Approved Designated Campgrounds Only (ADCO). Rule Burns are prohibited. DNR permit burning is allowed subject to the conditions of the permit. Prior to any burning, check with your local fire district and county as additional restrictions may be in place. Contact Department of Ecology or local Clean Air Authority to check if an air-quality ban is in place for your area. 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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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Columbia county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless
of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before
burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
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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 Columbia 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 Columbia county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Columbia county is currently under a burn ban issued by Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer, effective since July 24, 2026. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Columbia burn ban start?
The Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer order took effect on July 24, 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 Columbia 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 Columbia county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For a non-emergency burn-ban violation, you can also reach Washington DNR Wildfire Hotline at 1-800-562-6010 (for wildfires on DNR-protected land; other jurisdictions may have separate numbers), or contact the Columbia Sheriff's Office.
