The Yakima County Fire Marshal’s has issued a residential burn ban, effective throughout the summer. The county-wide burn ban for unincorporated Yakima County is effective Wednesday, June 12, 2024, to September 30, 2024, according to Yakima County. The burn ban is due to dry conditions and the potential for wildfires and aims to ensure that human caused fires will not divert the resources needed to fight wildfires. Under the burn ban, burning of residential waste, including yard debris and grasses not contained in an approved burning pit are prohibited. Agriculture or orchard burning may be allowed, if permitted by the Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority. Residential outdoor burning in violation of the ban may be subjected to a $1000 fine, arrest and/or jail time, according to a Yakima County press release on the ban.
