August 16, 2021, Stage 2 Burn Ban Lifted

Effectively immediately, the King County Fire Chief’s Association is terminating the Stage 2 (Complete) Burn Ban. This allows burning of small recreational fires to resume as described below. Check with your local jurisdiction for additional information.

Recent precipitation and cooler weather have allowed wildland fuels to recover moisture, and the local wildland fire danger has reduced to a level where it is safe to resume small recreational fires. The Stage I burn ban, issued on June 24^th and covering all other outdoor burning, will remain in effect until further notice. Additionally this modification to the current burn ban status does not supersede the Washington State Governor’s Proclamation 21-10 which includes additional restrictions on State or publicly owned properties.

The King County Fire Chiefs, Fire Marshals and local jurisdictions encourage all citizens to know your local requirements for outdoor burning and maintain a fire safe environment. If you have any questions, please contact your local Fire Department.

Approved Recreational Burn Requirements: *note some jurisdictions require burning permit

Fires Shall: Be kindled with seasoned and dry firewood.
Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not be used as debris disposal.
Grow no larger than three feet in diameter.
Be in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire with a shovel and a 5-gallon bucket of water or with a connected and charged water hose.
Be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil in them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
No burning when winds exceed 15 MPH.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE ISSUING STAGE 2 BURN BAN ON AUGUST 16, 2021

Effectively immediately, the King County Fire Chiefs Association is issuing a Stage 2 Burn Ban.

In response to continued hot/dry weather, high fire danger throughout King County, and the ongoing commitment of many local wildland firefighting resources outside the region, the King County Fire Chiefs, King County Fire Marshals, and jurisdictions throughout King County have joined together to issue a Stage 2 Burn Ban covering all parts of King County. The ban prohibits all outdoor fires, including recreational campfires, cooking fires, and ceremonial fires. The ban will remain in effect until further notice

The ban does not include propane or natural-gas fired grills, fireplaces, fire tables, and other gas-fired appliances may continue to be used along with charcoal grills. Please use caution when disposing of charcoal remains.

“This ban will be in place until further notice due to the continuing hot and dry weather conditions we are experiencing,” said Kirkland Fire Marshal Mark Jung

The King County Fire Chiefs are working in cooperation with the King County Fire Marshals and King County to continually monitor wildfire fuel and weather conditions.