Fire safety burn bans in effect for several Western Washington counties

Fire safety burn bans in three Western Washington counties go into effect this week. The bans are not related to air quality concerns, but only to fire safety because of dry weather.

In unincorporated areas of King County, a fire safety burn ban goes into effect Saturday for all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner's permission.

A limited county-wide fire safety ban went into effect in Pierce County Thursday.  The ban applies only to residents in unincorporated Pierce County. Residents of incorporated cities should check with local authorities.

The ban applies to all land clearing and outdoor burning of yard debris but doesn’t apply to small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or on private property with the owner’s permission.  Campfires must be attended at all times by someone who is at least 16 years old.

Gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbecues are allowed.

The same ban went into effect Thursday in Kitsap County and Friday morning in Snohomish and backyard burning as well as land clearing is prohibited.

Recreational fires must be 3 feet or less in size in a designated fire pit using only charcoal or dry firewood.

In Whatcom County, the state Department of Natural Resources is implementing burn restrictions on DNR protected lands starting Friday. All debris burning is prohibited. All written burn permits are suspended at this time. Campfires may be allowed in approved designated campgrounds.

Fire safety burn bans are currently in effect in Pacific, Mason, Jefferson, Grays Harbor and Clallam counties.

For current fire safety burn bans across Washington, follow this link https://waburnbans.net/.

For information on air quality burn bans, see http://www.pscleanair.org/

Cox Media Group