Outdoor Burning

Stage 2 Burn Ban in Effect

King County has implemented a Stage 2 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County effective August 7, 2026.

In response to continued hot/dry weather, high fire danger throughout King County, and the ongoing commitment of many local wildland firefighting resources outside the region, the King County Fire Chiefs, King County Fire Marshals, and jurisdictions throughout King County have joined together to issue a Stage 2 Burn Ban covering all parts of King County.

The ban prohibits all outdoor fires, including recreational campfires, cooking fires, and ceremonial fires. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. The ban does not include propane or natural-gas fired grills, fireplaces, fire tables, and other gas-fired appliances. These devices may continue to be used along with charcoal grills. Please use caution when disposing of charcoal remains.

For more information follow this link.

Recreational Fires

Within the city limits of Kent, SeaTac, Covington, Tukwila, and Maple Valley, as well as unincorporated King County (Fire Districts #37 and #43), recreational fires are allowed on your own private property and in designated locations in some public parks.

Recreational burning means cooking fires and campfires using only charcoal briquets or dry-seasoned firewood. Fires in chimineas, fire pits, and similar free-standing devices fall under this classification.

The location of open burning shall not be any less than 50 feet from structures.

Always have equipment on hand to control the fire, such as water, hose, buckets, shovel, etc.

Exceptions:

Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet from a structure.
The minimum distance from a structure shall be 25-feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet in height.

Permitted Burning

Puget Sound Fire allows burning outside the urban growth area in unincorporated King County year-round for King County Fire Districts #37 and #43. A fire burning permit is required and can be obtained from our Community Connect portal.

Our fire burn permit process has changed. To receive a permit, you must set up a profile in Community Connect. If you reside in the allowed outdoor burning area, the permit will be issued immediately and will either be emailed to you or can be downloaded. If there is a fire safety burn ban or air quality burn ban, you will be notified via email or text message through Community Connect.

If you have any questions you may email the Fire Marshal’s Office at FMO@PugetSoundFire.org or you can call (253) 856-4400.