Silvicultural Debris

Silvicultural Debris Burning
Trees, stumps, limbs, needles, etc., generated on acreage beyond your improved yard area are considered silvicultural debris.

If you live outside the No Burn Area, and are subject to DNR Forest Protection Tax, you may qualify for burning this debris under the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit or rule burn program. DNR can be reached at 509-684-7474. Or, contact The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency with questions about your location.

Burn Permits in Smoke Sensitive Areas
Portions of Spokane County are designated as Smoke Sensitive Areas because they are prone to experience elevated pollution levels due to population density and/or geographical features that trap pollutants.

Smoke Sensitive Areas include forested lands where certain activities (mainly timber harvesting and timber stand improvement) generate silvicultural debris. This debris must be processed or disposed in order to enhance forest health, prevent or abate fire hazards, or control disease.

DNR, in cooperation with The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, evaluates forested land burn requests within Smoke Sensitive Areas.  For detailed information about Burn Permits in Smoke Sensitive Areas, click here to download the fact sheet.