Outdoor Burning: Auburn vs Federal Way
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Auburn, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Auburn and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Outdoor burning is heavily restricted in Auburn. Yard waste and land-clearing burns are banned under PSCAA Regulation I. Only small recreational fires are allowed when no burn ban is active.
View full Auburn rules →Federal Way, WA
King County
Outdoor burning of yard debris and land-clearing waste is prohibited year-round in Federal Way under PSCAA Regulation I. Only small recreational fires under FWRC 13.31 are allowed, subject to burn bans.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Yard Waste Burning | Banned year-round | - |
| Recreational Fires | Allowed under 3 ft | - |
| Agency | PSCAA Regulation I | - |
| Stage 1 Ban | No outdoor wood fires | - |
| State Law | RCW 70.94 Clean Air | - |
| Yard Debris Burn | - | Prohibited year-round |
| Authority | - | PSCAA Regulation I |
| Max Penalty | - | $10,000 per day |
| Alternative | - | Curbside yard waste |
| Code | - | FWRC 13.31 + WAC 173-425 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Auburn?
No. Yard waste burning is permanently prohibited under PSCAA Regulation I in all urban growth areas including Auburn. Use curbside yard waste collection instead.
What can I legally burn outdoors in Auburn?
Only clean seasoned firewood in a recreational fire up to 3 feet in diameter, and only when PSCAA has not issued a Stage 1 or Stage 2 burn ban.
How do I check if a burn ban is in effect?
Visit the PSCAA website or call their burn ban hotline. Valley Regional Fire Authority also posts current burn status on its website and social media.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Federal Way?
No. PSCAA Regulation I bans all outdoor burning of yard debris and land-clearing materials within the urban growth boundary, which includes all of Federal Way.
How do I legally dispose of yard waste?
Use curbside yard waste collection through Federal Way's contracted hauler (Waste Management), drop at a King County transfer station, or home compost.
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