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Fire Safety Burn Bans
The King County Fire Marshal issues Fire Safety Burn Bans for unincorporated King County in response to hot and/or dry conditions, in coordination with King County cities and other county and state agencies.
Stage 1 Fire Safety Burn Ban
DO NOT burn (in rural areas):
- Yard debris*
- To clear land
*State regulation prohibits the burning of yard debris in urban areas at all times, regardless of whether a ban has been issued
OK to burn:
- Recreational fires* (campfires or fires in backyard fire pits, using approved firewood for outdoor recreation, ceremonial uses, or cooking)
*May require a permit—contact your local fire district
- Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
- The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
- The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
- The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
- The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
- Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
- The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
- The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
- After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
- No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
- If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.
Stage 2 Fire Safety Burn Ban
Issued when fire danger is critically high
DO NOT burn:
- ANY outdoor fires, including recreational and ceremonial fires
OK to use:
Manufactured portable outdoor devices* like…
- Gas and charcoal grills
- Natural gas or propane appliances like patio warmers
- Wood pellet smokers
*Follow manufacturer’s recommendations
Remember to carefully dispose of charcoal remains when done—douse thoroughly with water and wait several hours before removing for disposal
When there is no Fire Safety Burn Ban
The following restrictions still apply to outdoor burning in unincorporated King County, even when there is no fire safety burn ban.
- Burning is restricted to property outside the urban growth boundary.
- Fires to burn vegetation on residential property may only burn vegetation from the same property, and the fire can be no larger than 4x4x3 feet.
- Contact your local fire department to find out if you need a permit for your fire (recreational fires are exempt).
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency regulations still apply to limit environmental, health, and pollution problems.
- Air quality burn bans may be issued even though there is no fire safety burn ban.
- Burning to clear land for development (i.e., building a new structure or subdivision), is prohibited.
- Burning garbage, paper, or other trash is strictly prohibited at all times.
Air Quality Burn Bans
Another kind of burn ban, Air Quality Burn Bans, are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to reduce environmental, health, and pollution problems. For current Air Quality Burn Ban status, visit the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website or call 1-800-595-4341.