Burn bans issued in Camas-Washougal area

The Camas-Washougal Fire Chief this morning announced that all outdoor burning is prohibited within the city limits. State and Clark County officials issued similar mandates earlier this week.

The ban includes all recreational fires, however, enclosed barbecue grills can still be used.

“Camas and Washougal join other Clark County fire agencies in implementing the ban due to public safety concerns and red flag fire conditions,” said the press release issued by CWFD Chief Nick Swinhart. “The ban will remain in effect until further notice.”

On Thursday, Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway extended the land clearing burn ban in unincorporated areas to include recreational fires.

“We’ve had several smaller brush fires in the county this season, and expanding the ban to include recreational fires adds a layer of prevention to avoid more or larger incidents, ” he said. “Looking at the current conditions and the extended forecast, we need to implement this burn ban immediately.”

Due to an upper ridge of high pressure settling into the area, this morning the National Weather Service updated its excessive heat warning that includes cities in Clark County. High temperatures could reach 105 degrees through Saturday, and east winds have intensified.

“An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur,” the warning states. “Hot temperatures will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in air-conditioned room. Stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

The City of Washougal is offering cooling stations through Sunday at the municipal complex in downtown Washougal, located at 1701 “C” St.

Today, residents can escape the heat at City Hall, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Saturday, the library will be open during regular hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Washougal’s community center will be open on Sunday. The hours will be determined by senior association volunteers.

“There are a number of churches within the community participating in the relief effort,” states the City of Washougal website. “Look for the ‘cooling station’ signs.”

In Camas, the library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.