As summer heat and dry conditions approach, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated areas of the county, effective Monday, June 30 at 12:01 a.m. The ban restricts yard debris fires and land-clearing burns to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fire during the dry season.
The ban is being issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and the King County Fire Marshals Association. It does not apply to recreational fires or gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers, or charcoal grills.
Expected periods of higher temperatures will expand the amount of dry fuel load and reduce the amount of moisture in vegetation in our communities. This, in turn, increases the risk of an uncontrolled fire when burning yard debris.
“Summer is a prime season to enjoy the outdoors, but summer also brings higher fire risks. Help prevent uncontrolled fires and potential wildfires by following the Stage 1 Burn Ban,” Urban said. “Your efforts make a difference, and both your neighbors and our first responders will thank you.”
Urban also encourages people who smoke to use extreme caution with their ashes or when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.
There are also rules for approved recreational or campfires:
- Firewood must be seasoned and dry.
- The fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, like those typically found in campgrounds.
- The fire must not be used to dispose of debris.
- The fire must grow no larger than three feet wide.
- The fire must be in a clear spot, at least 10 feet away from all vegetation.
- Overhanging branches must be at least 20 feet above the flames.
- The fire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
- The fire must always be attended by an alert person with equipment that can put out the fire (such as a shovel and a five-gallon bucket of water, or a connected and charged water hose).
- After use, campfires must be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil over them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
- No burning is allowed when the wind speed is greater than 15 miles per hour.
- If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.
To stay informed on current restrictions, visit the Department of Local Services’ Fire Safety Burn Bans page. Residents are encouraged to take these precautions seriously to protect themselves, their communities, and the firefighters working to keep the region safe.
[Information provided by King County Department of Local Services]
