Wildfire Zones: Kent vs Seattle
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent is not officially mapped as a high wildfire hazard area, but East Hill slopes, greenbelts, and the forested eastern edge near Soos Creek face moderate wildland-urban interface risk during dry summers.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Eastern unincorporated King County (Skykomish, Snoqualmie, foothills) is mapped by WA DNR as moderate to high wildfire hazard. The Wildland Urban Interface code requires ignition-resistant materials and defensible space.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard mapping | WA DNR maps, not CAL FIRE | - |
| Higher-risk areas | East Hill slopes, Soos Creek edge | - |
| Hardening requirements | Not mandated, Firewise encouraged | - |
| Critical factor | East wind plus drought | - |
| Authority | Kent ECD, DNR, PSRFA | - |
| Code | - | 2021 IWUIC |
| High Hazard Areas | - | Skykomish, Snoqualmie |
| Defensible Space | - | 100 ft zones 1-3 |
| Roofing | - | Class A required |
| Fire Marshal | - | 206-296-6533 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Is Kent in a wildfire hazard zone?
Most of Kent is low risk. Some hillside and greenbelt-adjacent parcels fall into moderate risk per DNR maps. Check the DNR wildfire hazard viewer.
Do I need fire-resistant materials to build in Kent?
Kent follows the Washington State Building Code. Standard IRC requirements apply. WUI Code chapter has not been adopted citywide.
Seattle FAQ
Is my King County property in a wildfire hazard zone?
Check the WA DNR Wildfire Hazard Map or call the King County Fire Marshal at 206-296-6533. Foothill and Cascades properties are commonly mapped as moderate or high hazard and subject to WUI construction standards.
What defensible space is required near my home?
Zone 1 (0-5 ft) noncombustible, Zone 2 (5-30 ft) lean/clean/green with reduced fuels, and Zone 3 (30-100 ft) thinned with ladder fuels removed. These align with IWUIC and DNR Firewise standards.
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