Air Quality > Burning
- Outdoor Residential
Outdoor Burning (Non-Agricultural)
This web site provides information about burning of household
yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings;
and burning to clear land of trees, stumps,
shrubbery, or other natural vegetation. Ecology regulates all types
of outdoor burning except forest burning, which is regulated by the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
This web site does not include information on agricultural burning.
Contents
Is outdoor burning legal in Washington?
Outdoor burning is banned in all urban
growth areas in Washington.
If you live outside the boundaries of an
urban growth area, it is legal to burn natural vegetation, but
you should consider alternatives to burning. Find out what you
can do instead of burning.
Garbage burning and burn barrels are illegal
everywhere in Washington, and have been for many years.
Find out about exchanging your burn barrel for a compost bin.
Things to know before you burn
- Burn barrels are illegal.
- Burning is not the only way to dispose of natural vegetation. Consider composting and chipping.
- Where residential burning is allowed, the burn pile must be smaller than 4'x4'x3'.
- You may burn only one pile at a time.
- When and where burning is allowed, you may only burn unprocessed natural vegetation.
- Your smoke must not impact your neighbors, and you must put out your fire if it does.
- Do not leave your fire unattended.
- The fire should not include materials hauled from another property.
- It is illegal to burn construction and demolition debris.
- Always check with your local fire department for permit and safety requirements before you light any outdoor fire.
- You are encouraged (and may be required) to call and follow our Burn Day Hotline:
1-800-406-5322
Outdoor burning laws and rules
Other information
"Kids' Rights" Outdoor Burning Video (WMV File)
Spring 2009 Outdoor Burning Campaign (MP3 File) Audio Only
If you have questions, contact the Ecology regional office or the local air quality
agency for your area.
