Where are campfires banned in Washington state this summer? See burn ban rules
From an unattended campfire to a discarded cigarette, a single spark has the potential to ignite a massive wildfire.
In the Pacific Northwest, a total of 4,466 fires burned nearly 500,000 acres in 2025, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
About 63% of those fires were caused by humans, while lightning sparked 37% of wildfires, the Forest Service said.
To protect wildlife areas, preserve homes and prevent future blazes, some Washington counties issue burn bans.
What are the regulations for fires where you live? And what happens if you break the rules?
Here’s what to know
How do burn bans work in Washington state?
There are two different types of burn bans that can be issued in Washington state.
“Fire safety burn bans protect people and property,” the Washington Department of Ecology said on its website. “Air quality burn bans protect people when the air is unhealthy.”
Air quality burns bans are more likely to be issued in the winter, Taylor Van Cise, communications manager for the state Ecology Department, told McClatchy Media via email.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources, local fire districts and tribes can put fire safety burn bans in place to “limit outdoor, residential, agricultural and forest burning,” the Washington Department of Ecology said.
“In times and localities of unusual fire danger, the (Natural Resources Department) may issue an order suspending any or all burning permits or privileges authorized by prohibit absolutely the use of fire in such locations,” the Revised Code of Washington.
Fire marshals can issue a countywide burn ban, depending on conditions.
Is Pierce County under a burn ban?
Unincorporated areas of Pierce County have been under a Stage 1 burn ban since June 1.
“We are heading into a hotter, drier summer, and that significantly raises the risk of wildfire across our communities,” Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice said in an April news release. “When vegetation is dry, it only takes a spark to start a fire that can grow rapidly and threaten homes and lives.”
The ban prohibits burning to clear land and get rid of yard debris in unincorporated Pierce County.
“Residents should instead use alternatives such as composting,” the county said.
Barbecues and “small recreational fires” in fire pits are allowed on private property or in designated campgrounds as long as safety guidelines are followed, county officials said.
The burn ban will remain in effect “until further notice,” according to Pierce County.
Small recreational fires are allowed in the city of Tacoma, except when burn bans are in place.
There was no burn ban in place as of Tuesday, July 7.
Where are burn bans in place in Western Washington?
As of Tuesday, July 7, several counties across Washington state were under burn bans to some degree.
On July 1, Thurston County announced a Stage 1 burn ban that begins on Wednesday, July 8, and remain in effect until Oct. 15.
The ban affects residential yard waste burning and all land clearing burns.
“Recreational campfires will continue to be allowed on private residential properties and at official county, state and federal campgrounds as long as they are built and contained within an established fire ring,” Thurston County said in a July 1 news release.
King County is also under a Stage 1 burn ban, according to the county’s website.
Residents are allowed to burn campfires or fires in backyard fire pits, using approved firewood for outdoor recreation, ceremonial uses or cooking. However, you cannot burn yard debris or light fires to clear land in King County.
Further north, Whatcom County was under a Stage 1 burn ban that will remain in effect until Sept. 15.
During that time, all land clearing and yard debris may not be burned and burn permits are suspended.
Recreational fires are allowed, but they must:
- Contain only seasoned firewood or charcoal
- Be contained in a cement, stone or steel enclosure no larger than 3 inches by 3 inches across and at least 16 feet high
- Be 25 feet from structures, timber and combustible materials
- Be attended until out cold.
You must keep a charged garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets full of water next to the fire, as well as a shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the blaze.
Recreational fires are allowed after dark, if they’re attended by someone 16 years or older at all times.
No burning is allowed when winds exceed seven mph.
Beach fires, where allowed, must be built in an 8-feet-deep pit, surrounded by a 4-foot-high rock enclosure.
What are rules for outdoor fires in Eastern Washington?
The Benton County Clean Air Agency announces burn decisions daily.
In Benton County, outdoor residential burning is banned all day. However, the ban does not apply to fireplaces, wood stoves, barbecues or campfires.
People with growers permits can do agricultural burns
“For burning limited to orchard pruning’s, windblown tumbleweeds, or other vegetation along fence lines, irrigation canals or drainage ditches, no permit is required and burning hours are not restricted,” the Benton County Clean Air Agency said on its website.
The Franklin County Fire District 3, updates burn decisions daily by 10 a.m. daily. As of Sunday, July 5, fires can be burned at 1 p.m. and must be put out by 5 p.m.
If you are unsure about the rules, contact your local fire marshal before lighting a fire.
Are campfires allowed in Washington State Parks?
Generally, campfires are allowed at Washington State Parks sites in designated fire pits and grills.
State Parks has four levels of burn ban restrictions.
Under a stage 1 one burn ban allows fires in designated pits and grills, including gas and propane grills.
A stage 2 burn ban restricts wood fires to fire pits in designated areas, while stage 3 prohibits wood and charcoal fires.
Under a stage 4 burn ban, “no open flames of any type” are allowed, and smoking is banned as well.
What is the penalty for violating a burn ban?
If you get caught violating a burn ban, you can face civil penalties by punishable by a maximum of $10,000 in fees for each day of continued noncompliance.
The Washington Department of National Resources can suspend any or all burning permits or privileges it authorizes.