Fire Regulations in Pierce County, WA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Pierce County without a permit, but only small fires burning clean wood or charcoal. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency caps them at three feet across, and all fires stop during seasonal burn bans.
Backyard Fire Rules in Pierce County, Washington
Some RestrictionsPuget Sound Clean Air Agency, Outdoor Burning
Recreational fires are defined as cooking fires, charcoal barbecues, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or bare untreated wood in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure or ceremonial purposes.
Fireworks
Unincorporated Pierce County sharply limits consumer fireworks under PCC 17C.60.230. Discharge is legal only on July 4 (10 a.m.-11:59 p.m.) and New Year's Eve into New Year's Day. The Fire Marshal may ban them entirely during fire danger.
Fireworks Rules in Pierce County, Washington
Heavy RestrictionsPierce County Code 17C.60.230
In unincorporated Pierce County, no person shall discharge any fireworks except between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 4, and between 6:00 p.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
Outdoor Burning
Outdoor burning in Pierce County is regulated by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, which bans all land-clearing fires and prohibits yard-waste burning throughout urbanized areas. Recreational fires and permitted rural burning are the narrow exceptions.
Outdoor Burning Rules in Pierce County, Washington
Heavy RestrictionsPuget Sound Clean Air Agency, Outdoor Burning
All land-clearing fires are prohibited across King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Burning yard waste is not allowed at any time in urbanized areas in our jurisdiction.
Smoke Detectors
Washington law (RCW 43.44.110) requires smoke detection devices in all dwelling units. In Pierce County rentals, the landlord must install and ensure working alarms at move-in, while tenants handle battery upkeep. Fines apply for violations.
Smoke Detector Rules in Pierce County, Washington
Some RestrictionsRCW 43.44.110
Smoke detection devices shall be installed inside all dwelling units. Any owner, seller, or tenant failing to comply with this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars.
Fire Regulations by City in Pierce County
2 cities in Pierce County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pierce County ordinances
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