Fire Regulations in Cowlitz County, WA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Cowlitz County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
In unincorporated Cowlitz County, recreational fire and barbecue pits inside a permitted campground must be affixed to the ground and set back 100 feet from any exterior property line that abuts commercial forest land, under CCC § 18.56.100(J). Fire safety also follows the county's adopted fire code, CCC § 16.05.080, and community fire pits are encouraged over individual ones.
Cowlitz County Campground Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 18.56.100(J)
J. Fire Protection. Fire safety precautions shall be provided as required by CCC § 16.05.080, as written or hereafter amended, and: 1. Fire pits and barbecue pits shall be affixed to the ground. 2. Fire and barbecue pits shall be set back 100 feet from exterior property lines that abut commercial forest land as defined by this chapter. Community fire pits are encouraged.
Fireworks
Retail fireworks sales in unincorporated Cowlitz County require a Building and Planning Department permit under CCC § 7.20.040, on top of the state Chapter 70.77 RCW fireworks law the county adopts by reference in § 7.20.020. Applications are due by May 10th for July Fourth stands and November 10th for New Year's Eve stands.
Cowlitz County Fireworks Retail Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 7.20.040
No person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity shall sell fireworks at retail in the unincorporated portion of Cowlitz County without first obtaining a permit therefor as provided in this chapter.
Outdoor Burning
Burning garbage, rubbish, or other solid waste that could cause a health hazard or nuisance is unlawful in unincorporated Cowlitz County unless it happens in a permitted facility. Land-clearing debris may only be burned under conditions set by the Southwest Washington Air Pollution Control Authority under Chapter 70.94 RCW.
Solid Waste Burning Ban, Cowlitz County
Heavy RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 15.30.260(D)
It shall be unlawful for any person to burn solid waste that may cause a health hazard or nuisance, including garbage or rubbish, unless these materials are burned in an appropriate permitted facility. Land-clearing debris may be burned at certain times and under specific conditions specified by the Southwest Washington Air Pollution Control Authority and local fire control agencies, in accorda...
Wildfire Zones
Unincorporated Cowlitz County adopts the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and rates every area of the county for wildfire risk under a locally amended Subsection 302.1, using the county's Non-Rated, Low, Moderate, High and Very High categories drawn from the 2016 No-HARM hazard model.
Cowlitz County Wildfire Risk Area Rules
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 16.05.090.G (IWUIC § 302.1)
Subsection 302.1 is amended to read as follows: Wildland-urban interface area designations are permitted to be established in accordance with this section. Declaration. All areas of Cowlitz County shall be identified with a risk category relative to other areas of Cowlitz County. These risk categories will be established according to the National Hazard and Risk Model (No-HARM) developed for Co...
Propane Storage
In unincorporated Cowlitz County, bulk liquefied petroleum gas storage is confined to property zoned Neighborhood Commercial (C-1), Urban Commercial (C-2), Light Manufacturing (ML) or Heavy Manufacturing (MH), and any single LPG installation is capped at 2,000 gallons water capacity. Home LP-gas cylinders over 25 gallons need a construction permit.
Cowlitz County Propane and LPG Storage Limits
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 16.05.080 (IFC §§ 105.6.15, 6104.2)
Section 105.6.15 is amended to read as follows: LP-gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an LP-gas system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a permit. Exception: Above-ground portable LP-gas cylinders not in excess of 25 gallons water capacity shall not require a permit. ... Secti...
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