Residents in Covington and greater Kent area who reside in the attainment area can stop by any Kent Fire Department fire station, starting today, Sept. 20, and receive a permit allowing them to burn during the month of October.

In order to receive an outdoor burn permit, the resident must live within the attainment area designated by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Residents living outside that area are prohibited from burning and cannot receive a permit. Contact the Kent Fire Department at 253-856-4300 to determine if your home is in the attainment area.

With a permit, residents are allowed to burn natural vegetation growing on the property. Per the International Fire Codes, adopted by the state of Washington, and the clean air agency, the resident must:

• not allow the fire to exceed four feet in diameter and three feet in height;
• locate fire at least 50 feet from any wood structure including fences and decks;
• keep the permit at the location of the fire;
• maintain a 30 foot fire break around the fire of either bare ground or green grass;
• constantly supervise the fire;
• have the means to extinguish the fire on hand (i.e. shovel, hose, or fire extinguisher);
• not burn any material other than natural vegetation
• only burn during daylight hours;
• not use a burn barrel, regardless of contents;
• ensure that the smoke does not bother neighbors. Repeated complaints can result in cancellation of permit;
• ensure that there are no burn bans in effect.

For burn ban updates go to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. or call 1-800-595-4341.

The King County Fire Marshal’s Office or call 206-296-6763 or 1-800-323-BURN

Call 911 to report illegal burning or if smoke becomes a nuisance.