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Residential campfires now banned in unincorporated Chelan County

With unseasonably hot and windy conditions headed this way, the Chelan County fire marshal is banning all residential campfires in the county’s unincorporated areas.

The ban does not include propane-fueled campfire units and it does not apply to commercially made barbecues and camp stoves.

“It’s just too dry out there already,” Fire Marshal Chris Pedersen said. “Overall, conditions are shaping up to be a hazardous wildfire season. We need everyone on board with restrictions and to be vigilant about not causing a wildfire in our county.”

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s Friday through Monday, with highs hovering close to 100 degrees by Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The banning of residential campfires comes only four days after the outdoor burning of yard debris was put into place on June 1. With the new ban, Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the county’s unincorporated areas, both in the valley and mountain areas. Stage 2 restrictions also ban target shooting outside of a gun range. Already in place, motorists are not allowed to drive off a county road and the use of exploding targets and incendiary ammunition is prohibited.

Next week, the Board of County Commissioners will consider a resolution closing the dirt portions of Horse Lake and Burch Mountain roads in Wenatchee the week of the Fourth of July holiday. Also next week, commissioners will hold a public hearing to take comments on updates to Chapter 7.52 of the Chelan County Code, also called the Fire Hazard Areas. The proposed changes simplify and clarify restrictions during fire season. The public hearing is 10:15 a.m. on Monday, June 9, in the board’s chambers at 400 Douglas St.

Pedersen reminds the community that fireworks are banned across Chelan County, both in the unincorporated and incorporated areas.

“People, whether you live here or are visiting, need to abide by the fireworks ban,” she said. “We’ve already had one wildfire in May in Plain. Don’t add to the hazardous conditions by shooting off fireworks in the dry, fire-prone conditions of wildfire season.”

Last Updated: 06/04/2025 04:52 PM

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Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 25
    Jun 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - June 25, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person.
  • 11
    Jun 2025
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on June 11, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 10
    Jun 2025
    07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Veterans Service Office Closure

    Posted by: Veterans Program

    The Veterans Service Office will be closed on Tuesday June 10

    Veterans Service Office
  • 07
    Jun 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - June 7, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is June 7.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 06
    Jun 2025
    11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Veterans Hall Blood Drive June 6

    Posted by: Veterans Program

    Veterans Hall Blood Drive June 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Wenatchee Veterans Hall