Burn Permits

Burn Status: Burning is currently open 

When Do I Need an Outdoor Burn Permit?

RULES FOR ALL OUTDOOR FIRES

  • A responsible person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times.
  • A shovel and a garden hose connected to a water source and/or a bucket filled with at least 5 gallons of water must be on site.
  • The pile must be situated at least 50 feet from any combustibles.
  • The person responsible for the fire must check current outdoor burning information by calling the SKFR Burn Ban Information Line at 360-871-2425 or the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at 800-595-4341 before igniting the fire. An outdoor fire may not be ignited and must be extinguished if an air quality or fire danger burn ban is declared that applies to the type of burning being conducted.
  • The fire must be extinguished immediately if: Any emission from the fire is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any person; if it causes damage to property or business; or if it causes a nuisance.
  • Permission from the landowner or owner’s designated representative must be obtained before igniting an outdoor fire.
  • Only one pile at a time may be burned and each pile must be extinguished before another is ignited.
  • No burn barrels are allowed.
  • This permit may be revoked at any time due to high winds or any other condition that constitutes a fire hazard.
  • No Land Clearing Burns.

Rules for specific Fires

Recreational Outdoor Fires
  • No Permit required
  • Permissible countywide
  • Burn pile must be less than 3’Lx3’Wx2’H in a designated fire pit that is situated 25’ away from any structures or 15’ with a free-standing device.
  • Burn ONLY dry seasoned fire wood.
Small Residential Outdoor Fire
  • Permit is required and valid through the last day of the calendar year.
  • Burn pile must not be larger than 4’L x 4’W x 3’H.
  • The burn pile must be at least 50 feet from any structure.
  • No fire will be ignited before sunrise and no material will be added to the fire after sunset.
  • The fire may NOT contain materials hauled from another property.
  • Burn only natural vegetation such as leaves, clippings or prunings.
  • No Stumps may be burned.
Large Residential Outdoor Fire
  • Permissible only outside “No Burn” zones.
  • Burn pile must not be larger than 10’L x 10’W x 7’H.
  • The burn pile must be at least 50 feet from any structure.
  • No fire will be ignited before sunrise and no material will be added to the fire after sunset.
  • The fire may NOT contain materials hauled from another property.
  • Burn only natural vegetation such as leaves, clippings or prunings.
  • No Stumps may be burned.
Special Outdoor Fires
  • Must be applied for in person at the fire agency serving the area where the fire is planned.
  • Special conditions related to the approved special outdoor fire must be attached to this permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who creates the regulations for burning?

Outdoor burning regulations are administered by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and follow the state Clean Air Act (Chapter 173-425 WAC). The fire district does not set these regulations, but must enforce them. Our responsibility begins with a permitting process for all outdoor burning. Link to Outdoor Fires  and Air Quality HERE

What may I burn?

Outdoor burning is strictly limited to yard and garden debris (natural vegetation only) that is generated on the property.

Burning of the following materials is prohibited:

  • Processed wood products including finished lumber
  • Paper products
  • Plywood and particle board
  • Construction or demolition debris
  • Paints
  • Asphalt and petroleum products
  • Plastic products
  • Tires and rubber products
  • Stumps
  • Garbage
  • Dead animals
What are my alternatives to burning my yard waste?

When may I burn?

During daylight hours when there is not a burn ban in effect.