Fire Regulations in King County, WA (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in King County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
In unincorporated King County parks, campfires and fire pits are allowed only in spots posted and designated for that use, and only with a containment device such as a stove or fire ring. County code bans them outright during air-quality or fire-safety burn bans and every night between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
King County Campfire and Fire Pit Rules
Significant RestrictionsKing County Code § 7.12.175
7.12.175 Campfires. A person may ignite or maintain a campfire in any park area only where such use is designated and posted and either the park area is equipped with a containment device such as a stove or fire ring or a person brings such a device capable of containing a campfire. Also, campfires shall not be ignited or maintained in the following circumstances: A. During an air quality burn ...
Fireworks
Unincorporated King County bans retail fireworks sales outright and bars any use, discharge or display of fireworks without a fire marshal permit: there's no personal-use exception.
King County Fireworks Ban (Unincorporated)
Heavy RestrictionsKing County Code § 17.11.040
A. The retail sale of fireworks in unincorporated King County is prohibited. B. The use, discharge or display of fireworks in unincorporated King County is prohibited absent a permit issued by the county pursuant to RCW 70.77.260(2) and this section. C. Any person desiring to give a public display of fireworks shall submit to the fire marshal an application for a permit to operate the publ...
Brush Clearance
Unincorporated King County lets homeowners clear brush and prune trees near a house for wildfire safety without a clearing permit, but only within fixed distance limits set by county code.
King County Wildfire Brush Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 16.82.051.E.23
23. Clearing for the purposes of wildfire preparedness that does not otherwise require another permit and that is not subject to K.C.C. 16.82.156 or K.C.C. Title 21A, as follows: a. understory clearing within fifteen feet of a residential structure containing habitable space or an attached deck; b. understory clearing and tree removal and pruning within ten feet of an installed abo...
Wildfire Zones
Unincorporated King County allows limited tree and brush clearing near homes for wildfire preparedness without a clearing and grading permit, including clearing up to 100 feet with a professional wildfire risk assessment.
King County Wildfire Clearing Exemption
Some RestrictionsKing County Code § 16.82.051
Clearing for the purposes of wildfire preparedness that does not otherwise require another permit and that is not subject to K.C.C. 16.82.156 or K.C.C. Title 21A, as follows: a. understory clearing within fifteen feet of a residential structure containing habitable space or an attached deck; b. understory clearing and tree removal and pruning within ten feet of an installed abovegro...
Smoke Detectors
Smoke alarms required in all King County dwellings per WA Building Code (RCW 19.27, IRC R314). New construction needs hardwired interconnected alarms with battery backup; battery-only allowed in existing homes.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 19.27.530
RCW 19.27.530 Carbon monoxide alarms — Requirements — Exemptions — Adoption of rules. (1) By July 1, 2010, the building code council shall adopt rules requiring that all buildings classified as residential occupancies, as defined in the state building code in chapter 51-54 WAC, but excluding owner-occupied single-family residences legally occupied before July 26, 2009, be equipped with carbon m...
Fire Regulations by City in King County
7 cities in King County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
3 verified rules • Fire Pits & Backyard Fires, Fireworks
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
3 verified rules • Fireworks, Outdoor Burning
3 verified rules • Fireworks, Outdoor Burning
3 verified rules • Fireworks, Propane Storage
6 verified rules • Fire Pits & Backyard Fires, Fireworks
5 verified rules • Fire Pits & Backyard Fires, Fireworks
All King County ordinances
See every category we cover for King County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
King County Ordinance Hub →