Recreational Fires 

Recreational Fires are ALLOWED during a burn restriction if used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes and the fuel being burned is other than rubbish.  Fires used for debris disposal purposes are NOT considered recreational fires.

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Recreational Fire Definition

Recreational fires must be contained in a concrete, rock, or steel ring (made from non-combustible material), no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no less than 8 inches in height.  The fire (flames) shall be no higher than 2 feet and not conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.  Recreational fires SHALL be attended to at all times.  

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Prohibited Materials and Burn Barrels

Burning household waste and other garbage is prohibited. In Washington State, it is only legal to burn natural vegetation. Burning anything in a burn barrel, including natural vegetation, is illegal. Burning in a barrel limits the amount of oxygen that can get to a fire, which results in lower burn temperatures, incomplete combustion, excessive smoke, and more toxic substances released into the air. The smoke from a burn barrel stays close to the ground, making it difficult for people to avoid breathing toxic smoke.

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Burn Bans

A burn ban is issued due to impaired air quality or extreme fire danger. Ecology, the Governor, the County Fire Marshall, or local Fire Districts may issue burn bans. If you are planning to burn, call the Agricultural Burn Hotline at 1-800-406-5322 to find out if it is a good day to burn in your area. Contact your local fire department or the Department of Ecology before starting any fires.

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To find out more about burn bans: www.ecy.wa.gov