How Spokane Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Spokane falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Smoke Detectors

Spokane requires working smoke alarms in all residential dwellings per IRC Section R314 and IFC Section 907 adopted under SMC Title 17F. Rentals require hardwired interconnected alarms on each level and in each bedroom.

Key details: Locations: Every bedroom + each level. New Construction: Hardwired interconnected. Existing Homes: 10-year sealed battery OK. CO Alarms: Required per RCW 19.27.530. Rentals: Checked at occupancy.

Fire Department can issue correction notices with 30 days to comply. Rental non-compliance blocks occupancy. Tampering with alarms by tenants is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 43.44.110.

Brush Clearance

Spokane requires property owners in the wildland-urban interface on the eastside hills to maintain defensible space. SMC 10.08 addresses fire hazard abatement, and SRCAA coordinates regional wildfire fuel reduction.

Key details: Zone 1: 0-30 ft cleared. Zone 2: 30-100 ft thinned. WUI Areas: Eastside hills, South Hill. Code: SMC 10.08 + IWUIC. Resources: DNR Firewise assessments.

Notice of violation gives 14-30 days to comply. City may abate at owners expense plus administrative fee ($250+). Chronic violations: liens and fines up to $500/day.

Backyard Fires

Backyard recreational fires in Spokane must use approved containments, burn only clean firewood, stay 25 feet from structures, and comply with SRCAA burn ban status. Fires over 3 feet require a permit.

Key details: Max Size: 3 ft diameter without permit. Setback: 25 ft from structures. Fuel: Clean firewood only. Burn Bans: Override all permissions. Permits: Required over 3 feet.

Spokane Fire Department may order extinguishment and issue citations. Fines $250-$1,000. Violations during burn bans trigger SRCAA penalties up to $10,000.

Wildfire Zones

Eastern Spokane including the eastside hills, South Hill bluff, and Dishman Hills vicinity are designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones. Enhanced building codes, defensible space, and Class A roofing required.

Key details: Code: IWUIC via SMC 17F. Roofing: Class A required. High-Risk Zones: Eastside hills, South Hill. Materials: Ignition-resistant exteriors. Maps: WA DNR wildfire risk portal.

Failure to comply with WUI building standards blocks certificate of occupancy. Defensible space violations follow SMC 10.08 abatement process with fines up to $500/day.

This is one of the stricter rules in Spokane's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Propane Storage

Spokane adopts the International Fire Code through SMC Chapter 17F.040 with Spokane Fire Department amendments, capping unprotected residential propane storage and requiring permits for larger tanks under WAC 296-24-475.

Key details: Adopting code: SMC Chapter 17F.040. Reference standard: IFC Chapter 61. Setback over 125 gal: Ten feet minimum. State rule: WAC 296-24-475.

Unpermitted oversized tanks and setback violations can produce SFD correction notices, civil penalties under SMC Chapter 17F, and order to remove or relocate tanks before reoccupancy.

Fireworks

All consumer fireworks are banned within Spokane city limits year-round under SMC 10.04. Only licensed public displays are permitted. Spokane Fire Department conducts active enforcement around July 4th.

Key details: Consumer Fireworks: Banned year-round. Code: SMC 10.04.021. Fine: $513+ per violation. Exception: Licensed public displays only. Reason: WUI wildfire risk.

Possession or discharge: $513 fine minimum. Causing fire or injury: criminal charges under RCW 70.77.488 plus civil liability for fire damages.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Spokane actively enforces its fireworks requirements.

Outdoor Burning

Outdoor burning of yard debris is banned year-round within Spokane city limits under SRCAA Regulation I. Only recreational fires with clean firewood are allowed, subject to burn ban status.

Key details: Yard Debris Burning: Banned year-round. Regulator: SRCAA Reg I Section 6.04. Alternative: Curbside yard waste pickup. Penalty: $1,000+ per violation. Burn Bans: Common summer and winter.

SRCAA penalties start at $1,000 for first offense and can reach $10,000 per day for continuing violations. Fire Department may respond and issue additional fines.

Compared to other cities, Spokane takes a harder line on outdoor burning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Fire Pit Rules

Spokane allows recreational fires in approved fire pits under 3 feet in diameter, but all outdoor burning is subject to Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) burn ban status. Only clean, seasoned firewood allowed.

Key details: Pit Size: Under 3 feet diameter. Setback: 25 feet from structures. Fuel: Clean firewood only. Burn Bans: SRCAA enforces frequently. Supervision: Adult + water source.

Spokane Fire Department can order immediate extinguishment. Fines start at $250 and escalate to $1,000+ if fire spreads or during burn ban.

The Bottom Line

Spokane is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Spokane, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Spokane can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.