Fire Pit Rules: Auburn vs Kent
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn permits small recreational fires under ACC 15.36 (2021 IFC). Fires must be under 3 ft wide, 2 ft tall, with 25 ft clearance, clean firewood, and adult supervision. PSCAA burn bans override.
View full Auburn rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent allows small recreational fires in portable pits or contained rings when no PSCAA burn ban is active. Fires must be under 3 feet wide, burn only clean dry firewood, and be attended at all times.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Size | Max 3 ft wide, 2 ft tall | - |
| Clearance | 25 ft from structures | - |
| Code | ACC 8.12 and 15.36 | - |
| Fire Agency | Valley Regional Fire Authority | - |
| Burn Bans | PSCAA and DNR supersede | - |
| Max pit size | - | 3 feet diameter, 2 feet tall |
| Setback from structures | - | 25 feet minimum |
| Allowed fuel | - | Clean seasoned firewood only |
| Supervision | - | Adult attended at all times |
| Authority | - | Puget Sound RFA, PSCAA burn bans |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my Auburn backyard?
Yes. Recreational fires up to 3 ft wide and 2 ft tall are allowed under ACC 15.36 and the 2021 IFC, with 25 ft clearance from combustibles, clean firewood only, and an adult supervising at all times.
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire in Auburn?
No permit is required for a standard recreational fire that meets size and setback rules. Larger ceremonial or bonfire-style fires require a permit from Valley Regional Fire Authority.
Can I burn during a PSCAA burn ban?
No. When Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issues a Stage 1 or Stage 2 burn ban, all recreational outdoor wood fires are prohibited in Auburn. Gas and propane devices are typically still allowed.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is required for recreational fires under 3 feet wide using clean firewood, provided no burn ban is in effect and the 25-foot setback is maintained.
How do I check for a burn ban?
Visit pscleanair.gov or call the PSCAA burn ban hotline before lighting any outdoor fire in Kent. Bans are common in summer and winter.
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