SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5318

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senator Pullen)

Clarifying fire districts' authority regarding burning permits when the clean air act is involved.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1987; February 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5318 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Halsan, Chairman; Garrett, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, McCaslin, Pullen, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Walt Corneille (786-7452); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  February 26, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 25, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Fire protection districts are authorized to issue certain burning permits but have no specific authority to revoke a validly acquired permit.  This has created situations where burning which is creating an extreme nuisance has been permitted to continue because the party conducting the burning possessed a valid burning permit.  Fire protection districts have been hesitant to respond to complaints of such nuisances without specific statutory authority to revoke a validly acquired and utilized permit.

SUMMARY:

A fire district has authority to revoke a permit issued by that district if necessary to protect life or property or to prevent or abate a nuisance.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Art Dammkoehler, Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Authority; Pete Spiller, Fire Commissioners; Mary Jo Lavin, DNR