Lacey residents might soon enjoy what the state calls "recreational burning" as the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) proposed lifting the campfire ban during the council work session on Thursday, December 8.
ORCAA Executive Director Jeff Johnston said the proposed lifting of the campfire ban would not affect any other restrictions that building codes and homeowners associations have.
“We are not doing anything with our existing nuisance smoke regulation,” said Johnston. He added that the outdoor burning ban during summer that runs from July 15 to September 30 would still be in effect.
Johnston also clarified that Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater are the only cities in Western Washington that have implemented a ban on campfires.
“Removing this ban would make these cities the same as all the other cities and urban areas within ORCAA’s jurisdiction,” he said.
As background on why such a ban exists, Johnston explained that Thurston County exceeded air quality standards back in the 1980s for particulate matter from cars, other sources and primarily from indoor burning for home heating, Johnston discussed.
But due to various efforts from the legislatures, residents and technological innovations, Johnston said pollution levels have declined over the past 25 years. Thus, prompting the agency to propose lifting campfire bans.
Johnston said another reason for the proposal was “the communication around working with some of the homeless camps that led us to question the rule.”
Once approved, residents can make campfires with a maximum of three feet in diameter and two feet tall using clean, dry wood or charcoal. Burning of garbage is still considered illegal.
ORCAA will hold a public hearing on January 11, 2023. Once approved, the rule change may take effect by February or March of next year.
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