Outdoor & residential burning

To protect air quality, we oversee various types of outdoor burning. This includes land clearing, residential yard waste burning, and some fire training burns. Before you burn, check whether you need a permit, if the type of burning you want to do is allowed in your area, and if there is a burn ban in place.

I want to...

Man burning yard debris — Try composting your yard debris instead of burning it.

What's illegal to burn

It's important to verify that what you want to burn is legal before you begin burning. You can be fined up to $10,000 per day for illegal burning.

Burning any type of garbage or construction debris is not allowed. This includes:

Paper, cardboard and junk mail
Construction debris, lumber and treated wood
Rubber
Metal
Plastics and petroleum products
Dead animals
Asphalt
Any substance that emits toxins or bad odors when burned

Using burn barrels is illegal

The fires in burn barrels receive little oxygen and create toxic smoke that stays low to the ground. Burn barrels are illegal statewide.

Report illegal burning

If you are having trouble breathing or if smoke from an outdoor burn is getting into your house, call 911 for immediate help or report illegal burning.

Urban growth area burning restrictions

An urban growth area (UGA) is land used for urban development. Land outside an urban growth area (like agricultural, rural, and natural land) is protected from urban sprawl. Where you live determines whether you can burn.

Before you burn anything, check if there is a burn ban in your area and if you are in an urban growth area.

If you live outside an urban growth area, you may have limited burning.

Allowed burning includes:

Barbecues. Burn only briquettes, propane, or dry, seasoned firewood.
Campfires. Size limit 3 x 3 x 2 feet. Burn only dry, seasoned firewood.
Dry yard and garden waste. Size limit is 4x 4 x 3 feet. Burn only natural unprocessed vegetation.

You must:

Get permission from your local fire district before you burn.
Keep the fire 50 feet away from any structure.
Attend the fire at all times.
Have a source to extinguish the fire nearby.
Ensure your smoke doesn't affect your neighbors.

If you live in an urban growth area, all burning other than recreational and tumbleweed burning is illegal.

Allowed burning includes:

Barbecues. Burn only briquettes, propane, or dry, seasoned firewood.
Campfires. Size limit 3 x 3 x 2 feet. Burn only dry, seasoned firewood.
Burning tumbleweed. In communities over 250,000 a permit may be required, check with your local clean air agency.
Permitted agriculture burning.

Check if you are in an urban growth area.

OPTION A. USE THE MAP:

Click on + sign on the map to zoom in to your area.
Yellow shaded areas mark cities and urban growth areas.
Click on a yellow shaded area to get more information (pop-up).

OPTION B. LOOK UP YOUR AREA BY COUNTY

Required burning permits

The type of burning you are planning and the location of the burn will determine whether or not you need a permit. Review the information below to determine if you need a permit.

Alternatives to burning

Grasscycle — Leaving grass clippings on your lawn adds nutrients back into the soil and gives you a healthy, attractive lawn.
Composting — Most vegetation from yards can be turned into a beneficial resource by composting in a bin or a pile. Red wiggler worms can be used to create a rich worm compost for use in your garden.
Chipping — Chipping may be a great alternative to rid your lawn of trees and branches and provide your garden with free mulch.
Curbside pickup — Many cities and towns offer curbside collection of yard waste and organic household materials. Check with your local government or waste management company.
Community or neighborhood cleanup days — Community cleanups are events where your city or town provides free disposal of items, including yard waste. Look for the next cleanup day in your area.
Landfills — Many landfills offer reduced fees for yard waste.

Contacts for other questions

County	Phone	Email
Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Okanogan counties	509-575-2490	agburnteamcro@ecy.wa.gov
Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties	509-329-3400	agburnteamero@ecy.wa.gov
San Juan County	360-407-6843	sean.lundblad @ecy.wa.gov
Benton, Spokane, Yakima, and all other Western Washington counties	Contact your local clean air agency	Contact your local clean air agency

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