Burn ban starts Friday in Pierce County. Here’s what kind of fires are still allowed
After a heat wave scorched Tacoma and Pierce County last week, and with more hot weather on the way, Pierce County announced a county-wide burn ban will take effect at 12 a.m. Friday until further notice.
Outdoor burning of yard debris and for land clearing is not allowed while the ban is in effect. Residents can enjoy small fires in fire pits on their private property or at approved campgrounds, with some restrictions. Self-contained stoves and barbecues also are allowed.
The county’s fire marshal and the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association called for the ban due to “current and predicted dry weather conditions,” according to a news release. The ban comes more than a month later than it did last year.
Mike Halliday, emergency management spokesperson, said the county looks to the National Weather Service to help guide its decision on when bans should start. He recalled the service reporting a slight reduction in how long this year’s fire season would last due to weather patterns. Halliday said Puget Sound’s particularly wet spring probably had something to do with it.
Burn bans typically last until the end of summer or until the area starts receiving consistent rain. Last year, the burn ban was in effect until Sept. 21.
The ban only applies to residents living in unincorporated Pierce County. People living in cities in Pierce County, such as Spanaway, Lakewood or Puyallup, should check restrictions with the local fire department.
Rules for recreational fires include limiting them to no more than 3 feet in diameter, keeping fires at least 10 feet away from vegetation, 25 feet from any structures and 20 feet below overhanging branches, according to the release. Fires must also be built in a metal or concrete fire pit. Recreational fires are not allowed when winds exceed 5 miles per hour.
The county requires that fires be attended at all times by an alert person with equipment capable of putting out the flames.
This story was originally published August 4, 2022 at 10:54 AM.
