Wildfire Zones: Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way is rated low-to-moderate wildfire risk by DNR. No formal Wildland-Urban Interface overlay applies, but forested green belts and BPA corridors elevate local risk. Burn bans enforce during drought.
View full Federal Way rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland applies wildland-urban interface rules under IFC Chapter 49 to parcels near forested greenbelts, ravines, and Watershed Park; WUI construction standards may apply for new builds.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Rating | Low to moderate | - |
| WUI Code | Not adopted locally | - |
| Fire Agency | South King Fire and Rescue | - |
| Risk Factor | Green belts, BPA corridors | - |
| State Law | RCW 76.04 | - |
| Code | - | IFC Chapter 49 via KMC Title 21 |
| Primary Zones | - | Parcels near ravines, parks |
| Roof Requirement | - | Class A or B in WUI |
| Defensible Space | - | 30 ft + 100 ft buffers |
| State Authority | - | WA DNR + RCW 76.04 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Is Federal Way a high wildfire risk area?
No. DNR rates it low-to-moderate. Forested green belts and power-line corridors elevate localized risk, especially during drought summers.
Does Federal Way have a Wildland-Urban Interface code?
No. Washington adopted the IWUIC in 2024 but the city has not adopted WUI-specific defensible space requirements. Standard fire code FWRC 13.31 applies.
Kirkland FAQ
Is Kirkland in a wildfire hazard zone?
Some Kirkland parcels adjacent to forested ravines, Watershed Park, and greenbelt areas are treated as wildland-urban interface under IFC Chapter 49.
Do I need special building materials?
New builds or major remodels on mapped WUI parcels may require ignition-resistant siding, Class A/B roofing, and ember-resistant vents.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Kirkland compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool