Outdoor Burning

Outdoor burning is burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It is also burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

See information on agricultural burning.

See outdoor burning laws (RCW 70.94) and regulations
(WAC 173-425, Outdoor Burning.

The Washington State Department of Ecology regulates all types of outdoor burning except forest burning, which is regulated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Is outdoor burning legal in Washington?

Outdoor burning is banned in all urban growth areas in Washington. (See a map of urban growth areas.) 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.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is making up to $2 million in grants available to help communities develop alternatives to burning yard waste and other organic materials. Find information about community grants for alternatives to burning.

Things you should know before you do any outdoor burning

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

For more information

Contact Ecology's regional office or the local air quality agency for your area; or read Ecology's publication Frequently Asked Questions About the 2007 Outdoor Burning Ban.

Other information

Colville Wood Stove Change Out Program

Kid's Right Outdoor Burning Video (WMV File)

BY PROGRAM

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