Outdoor Burn Ban

This time of year brings sunny days, warmer temperatures, and the potential for wild land fire danger.

Effective July 1 through September 30 or until further notice, a burn ban will be in effect for all land clearing or outdoor burning within Jefferson County as recommended by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Jefferson County Board of Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal. This burn ban does not currently apply to recreational fires.

Requirements for recreational fires are defined by the international fire code and the Washington State Administrative Code (173-425-050). They boil down to the following:

• A recreational fire is defined as outdoor burning of charcoal or firewood where the fuel is not contained in an incinerator, out-door fire place, barbecue grill or barbecue pit.

• Recreational fires are for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purpose.

• Recreational fires should be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet in size.

• You may only burn natural materials, no garbage or manmade items.

• You must have a water source with a hose adjacent to the file.

• Also see the EJFR Burn Guidelines

Fires used for debris or rubbish disposal are not considered recreational fires and are illegal.

All county-wide burning is subject to immediate closure at any time based on the DNR fire rating for fire danger or air stagnation conditions as determined by the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Olympic Region Clean Air Authority and/or the DNR.

Have a great summer. Be safe and responsible. Please remember to monitor and completely extinguish all fires.