Stage 1 Burn Ban effective throughout King County

Beginning June 1, residents are prohibited from burning yard debris or for land debris.

By Bailey Jo Josie bailey.jo.josie@rentonreporter.com • June 1, 2023 12:25 pm
Stage 1 Burn Ban includes the prohibition of burning for land clearing and yard debris. Image courtesy of Puget Sound Fire.
Stage 1 Burn Ban includes the prohibition of burning for land clearing and yard debris. Image courtesy of Puget Sound Fire.

With summer officially only a few weeks away, the King County Fire Marshal has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban throughout the county.

Officially taking effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 1, the ban specifically relates to residential burning and yard debris. Requirements under the Stage 1 Burn Ban are as follows:

  • Firewood is to be seasoned and dry.
  • Fires must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and are not be used as debris disposal.
  • Fires must not grow larger than three feet in diameter.
  • Fires must be in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
  • Recreational fires shall be always attended by an alert individual and there must always be equipment capable of extinguishing the fire, this includes a shovel and a 5-gallon bucket of water or with a connected and charged water hose.
  • Campfires are to be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil in them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch. The use of self-contained camp stoves is encouraged as an alternative.
  • No burning when winds exceed 15 MPH.

King County Fire Chief’s Association, King County Fire Marshals Association and the King County Fire Marshal have implemented the ban due to increased Fuel Energy Release Rates, decreased 100-hour fuel moisture content and anticipation for upcoming warm weather.

Recreational fires, gas or propane appliances like grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills are still permitted under the Stage 1 restrictions.

Fire marshals encourage residents of King County to burn according to local jurisdiction requirements and to reach out to local fire departments for more information on the ban.