Effective August 31, 2023, at 1200hrs (noon), the King County Fire Chief’s Association and the King County Fire Marshals are terminating the Stage 2 (Complete) Burn Ban. Consult Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for guidance.
Fires used for yard waste or debris disposal purposes are prohibited within city limits.
If you suspect an illegal burn, call 9-1-1 and let us investigate, educate and/or send on to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for further action and code enforcement.
BURN STATUS
Recreational burning is permitted while the burn ban status is off.
The VRFA Fire Marshal follows all burn bans set forth by the Regional Fire Marshals and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
WHAT YOU CAN BURN
When there is NO burn ban in effect:
- Dry-seasoned firewood
- Manufactured logs
- Charcoal briquettes
See outdoor burning regulations below.
WHAT YOU CAN'T BURN
Residential Fires are always prohibited within city limits
- Brush, yard debris, or other vegetation
- Garbage or plastics
- Treated materials
- Burn Barrels
Fires used for land-clearing, yard waste or debris disposal purposes are illegal. Learn how to legally dispose of yard waste through the King County Solid Waste Division.
Outdoor Burning Regulations
The VRFA no longer issues permits for recreational fires. Adhering to the following rules allows your recreational fire.
Rules for Outdoor Burning
- Check for burn bans prior to your scheduled burn
- Fire must be contained in a fire pit constructed of concrete, metal, or other non-combustible material
- Fire must be no larger than (3) three feet in diameter and no more than (2) two feet in height
- A responsible adult of sound judgment must attend to the fire at all times
- A hose with a reliable water supply must be readily available, able to reach at least 10 feet beyond the fire pit
- Fire pits are not allowed within 25 feet of any structure, property line, public way (streets etc.) or other combustible material
Outdoor Burning FAQs
Rules that govern outdoor burning and establish outdoor burning guidelines are contained within Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-425, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Regulation I and the International Fire Code as adopted by each local city.
In accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-425 the only fires allowed within an “Urban Growth Area” are “Recreational Fires.”
By definition within WAC 173-425, an Urban Growth Area means land, generally including and associated with an incorporated city, designated by a county for urban growth under RCW 36.70A.030.
By definition within WAC 173-425, “Recreational Fires” means cooking fires, campfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires but are considered residential fires.
Seasoned firewood or manufactured logs (ideally with a moisture content less than 20 percent by weight) and charcoal briquettes. Recently downed wood, brush, yard debris or treated dimensional lumber is not allowed for the use of recreational fires.
Within the VRFA service area (Algona, Auburn and Pacific), residential burning (yard waste and land maintenance), bon fires and land clearing fires are banned by the State of Washington legislature.
Learn how to legally dispose of yard waste through the King County Solid Waste Division.
No, Permits are not required within the VRFA service area which includes the cities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific. Recreational fires are allowed when the burn ban status is “off” and highlighted “green”
Recreational fire permits are issued for use within private property. Publicly owned areas with designated fire pits do not require a permit from the Valley Regional Fire Authority.
You are responsible for the smoke from your fire. If smoke from any outdoor fire impacts or unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of surrounding or adjacent property, it is considered a nuisance and you must stop burning when notified. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency defines nuisance smoke as follows: “…odor is distinct and definite, any unpleasant characteristics recognizable”. Before burning make sure to check wind direction to help determine that the smoke from your fire will not create a nuisance for surrounding or adjacent property. Be a good neighbor. Notify your neighbors that you have obtained a “Recreational Fire” permit and that they should notify you if your smoke is becoming a nuisance.
Recreational fires can have a fuel area no larger than three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet in height. Open fires on the ground shall be at least 25 feet from all structures and fences.
To report active illegal or nuisance burning, always call 911.
For general burning questions, contact the VRFA’s Fire Marshal’s Office at 253-288-5870 (M-F, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM).
Be A Good Neighbor
You are responsible for the smoke from your fire. If smoke from any outdoor fire impacts or unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of surrounding or adjacent property, it is considered a nuisance and you must stop burning when notified.
Burning during a burn ban may result in monetary fines beginning from $2,000 plus the cost of reimbursing the fire department for responding. To report illegal or nuisance burning, call 911.