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.
A backyard recreational fire in Pierce County is legal without a burn permit as long as it stays within Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and fire district limits. PSCAA defines recreational fires as cooking fires, charcoal barbecues, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or bare untreated wood, and caps them at three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only charcoal, dry firewood, or manufactured firelogs may be burned; burning yard debris or trash is illegal. Fires must be attended at all times by someone able to extinguish them and fully put out before leaving. Pierce County fire districts add a 25-foot setback from structures and 10-foot clearance around the fire. During Stage 1 or Stage 2 burn bans issued
Oversized fires, burning prohibited materials, leaving a fire unattended, or burning during a ban can bring PSCAA and fire district penalties and orders to extinguish.
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