Fire Regulations in Spokane County, WA (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Spokane County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
A backyard fire pit or campfire in unincorporated Spokane County is a "recreational fire" under WAC 173-425-030(21) and does not need a burn permit as long as the fuel area stays at or under three feet across and two feet high. Go bigger and a permit is required, since Spokane County's unincorporated population is nowhere near the 50,000 threshold that exempts small rural counties.
Recreational Fire Pit Rules in Spokane County
Some RestrictionsWAC 173-425-030(21); WAC 173-425-060(2)(i); WAC 173-425-050(6)
(21)"Recreational fire" means cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires. ... (2) Types of burning that require a permit. Except as otherwise stated, a permit is required for the following types ...
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks are banned in unincorporated Spokane County under Spokane County Code Chapter 3.17: no sale, possession, or discharge is allowed, even on the state's June 28-July 5 window. Incorporated cities set their own rules.
Consumer fireworks in unincorporated Spokane County
Some RestrictionsRCW 70.77.395
Fireworks may be discharged only during the following days and times: On June 28th, between the hours of twelve o'clock noon and eleven o'clock p.m.; On June 29th to and including July 3rd... On July 4th, between the hours of nine o'clock a.m. and twelve o'clock midnight.
Brush Clearance
Spokane County has no single fixed defensible-space clearance distance for all homes, but Washington DNR can require abatement of extreme fire hazards on forestland, and county fire districts urge Firewise defensible space around homes in wildland areas.
Brush clearance and fire hazard abatement
Some RestrictionsRCW 76.04.660
If the owner of the land refuses, neglects, or fails to abate, isolate, or reduce an extreme fire hazard within the time specified, the department may... summarily abate, isolate, or reduce the hazard and recover twice the actual cost from the owner.
Outdoor Burning
Burning yard and garden debris is NOT allowed for most residents of Spokane County. Burning garbage and burn barrels are banned statewide. Only residents in a few delegated fire districts may burn natural debris, and never during a burn restriction.
Outdoor / yard-debris burning in Spokane County
Some RestrictionsSRCAA Outdoor Burning
Burning yard/garden debris is not allowed for most residents of Spokane County. Burning garbage anywhere in Washington has been prohibited for decades. The use of burn barrels is also banned statewide.
Wildfire Zones
Spokane County Code Chapter 3.16 sets wildfire-hardening construction standards for every home built in the unincorporated county. Section 3.16.020 requires Class C roofing, fire-resistive decks, corrosion-resistant screened attic vents, and a spark arrester on every wood-burning chimney, and it blocks subdivision covenants from overriding the roofing standard.
Wildland-Urban Interface Building Rules in Spokane County
Some RestrictionsSCC 3.16.020(a)-(d)
(a)Roofs. Roof coverings shall be a minimum of Class C rated. Subdivision covenants, conditions, and restrictions shall not require the use of roof covering materials that do not meet Class C requirements.(b)Decks and Balconies. Cantilevered or standard type decks or balconies shall have a minimum nominal two inch wood decking or the underside protected with materials approved for one-hour fire...
Smoke Detectors
Washington's smoke detector law, RCW 43.44.110, requires a working smoke detection device in every dwelling unit rented to a tenant, built after 1980, or sold on or after July 1, 2019, and in unincorporated Spokane County the county fire marshal is the enforcing official once a fire exposes a missing detector. Owners install and sellers must supply a unit before resale.
Smoke Alarm Law in Unincorporated Spokane County
Some RestrictionsRCW 43.44.110
(1) Smoke detection devices shall be installed inside all dwelling units: (a) Occupied by persons other than the owner on and after December 31, 1981; (b) Built or manufactured in this state after December 31, 1980; or (c) Sold on or after July 1, 2019... (3) Installation of smoke detection devices shall be the responsibility of the owner. Maintenance ... including the replacement of batteries ...
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