Fire Pit Rules: Portland vs Seattle
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Recreational fire pits are allowed in Portland subject to distance requirements: 25 feet from structures or combustible materials. Fires in approved containers/chimeneas require 15 feet. Fires must be constantly attended and have extinguishing equipment on hand.
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Outdoor fire pits and open flames are heavily restricted in Seattle due to the city's general prohibition on open burning. PSCAA burn bans also apply. Chimineas and enclosed fire pits may be subject to city and state air quality rules.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Distance (Fire Pit) | 25 feet from any structure or combustible material | - |
| Minimum Distance (Container) | 15 feet from structures (chimeneas, portable fireplaces) | - |
| Attendance Required | Fire must be constantly attended | - |
| Extinguishing Equipment | Minimum 4-A rated extinguisher or equivalent required | - |
| Burn Ban | All outdoor fires prohibited during declared bans | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited in Seattle city limits |
| Burn Bans | - | PSCAA issues (check pscaa.net) |
| State Law | - | WAC 173-425 |
| Contact | - | Seattle Fire Department (SFD) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Portland?
Recreational fire pits are allowed in Portland subject to distance requirements: 25 feet from structures or combustible materials. Fires in approved containers/chimeneas require 15 feet. Fires must be constantly attended and have extinguishing equipment on hand.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Portland?
Minimum Distance (Fire Pit): 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Minimum Distance (Container): 15 feet from structures (chimeneas, portable fireplaces). Attendance Required: Fire must be constantly attended. Extinguishing Equipment: Minimum 4-A rated extinguisher or equivalent required.
Seattle FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Seattle?
Outdoor fire pits and open flames are heavily restricted in Seattle due to the city's general prohibition on open burning. PSCAA burn bans also apply. Chimineas and enclosed fire pits may be subject to city and state air quality rules.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Seattle?
Open Burning: Prohibited in Seattle city limits. Burn Bans: PSCAA issues (check pscaa.net). State Law: WAC 173-425. Contact: Seattle Fire Department (SFD).
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