How Yakima Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

If you live in Yakima or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Yakima has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fireworks

Yakima voters banned fireworks citywide by special election in 1992, and YMC § 10.15.015 still makes it unlawful to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, use, possess, fire or discharge any fireworks except as the chapter otherwise allows. The narrow exceptions are licensed public displays and permitted religious or private ceremonial use, both requiring a $50 permit fee, advance notice and insurance.

Key details: Governing section: YMC § 10.15.015. Origin: 1992 voter special election, Res. D-6181. Exceptions: Licensed public display, religious/private ceremonial permit. Permit fee: $50 (both exception types). Penalty: Up to $250 fine/90 days jail per day.

Storing, selling, possessing, firing or discharging fireworks in Yakima outside the permit exceptions violates YMC § 10.15.015. YMC § 10.15.120 makes each day of a continuing violation a separate offense, and the general Title 10 penalty at YMC § 10.01.010 sets the fine at up to $250, up to 90 days in jail, or both, for each conviction. A permit issued under §§ 10.15.040 or 10.15.065 can also be revoked for any rule violation.

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

Outdoor Burning

Yakima Municipal Code Section 4.16.160 bans burning wastepaper, boxes, rubbish, debris, brush, grass, leaves, weeds, and tree, lawn, shrub or garden cuttings anywhere in the city, allowing it only in incinerators approved under fire control and air pollution control regulations and with any required permit. Violators face the Chapter 4.16 penalty of up to $250 in fines, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Key details: Governing section: YMC § 4.16.160. Banned materials: Wastepaper, boxes, rubbish, brush, leaves, weeds, cuttings. Only lawful method: Fire-dept-approved incinerator with required permit. Chapter 4.16 penalty: Fine up to $250 or jail up to 90 days. Public-land burning: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine (YMC § 6.56.050).

Section 4.16.160 violations draw the Chapter 4.16 general penalty at Section 4.16.240: a fine not to exceed $250, imprisonment in the city jail for up to 90 days, or both, upon conviction. Burning on public property instead triggers the separate misdemeanor at Section 6.56.050, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Both are enforced by the City of Yakima and prosecuted through Yakima Municipal Court.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Yakima actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

The Bottom Line

Yakima is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Yakima, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Yakima's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.