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Spokane County, WA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Fixed clearance rule
None countywide
State authority
RCW 76.04.660 (DNR)
Extreme hazard abatement
DNR, after 10 days' notice
Cost recovery
Twice actual abatement cost
Recommended standard
Firewise defensible space

Summary

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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Spokane County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike some California counties, Spokane County code does not impose a universal '100-foot' clearance rule. Instead, Washington's RCW 76.04.660 gives DNR authority over 'additional' and 'extreme' fire hazards: landowners must take reasonable measures to reduce the danger of fire spreading, and if an owner refuses to abate an extreme fire hazard, DNR may summarily abate it after 10 days' written notice and recover twice the actual cost. Spokane-area fire districts and the county promote Firewise USA home-hardening and defensible space (thinning brush, spacing vegetation) for properties in the wildland-urban interface, especially in the forested northern and eastern parts of the county.

Violations & Fines

DNR may summarily abate an unaddressed extreme fire hazard after 10 days' notice and recover twice the actual cost from the landowner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spokane County require a set clearance distance around my home?
No fixed countywide distance applies. Follow Firewise defensible-space guidance in wildland areas; DNR can compel abatement of extreme fire hazards under RCW 76.04.660.
What happens if I don't clear a dangerous fire hazard?
For an extreme fire hazard on forestland, DNR may abate it after 10 days' written notice and recover twice the actual cost from the landowner.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Spokane County rules

Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview

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Spokane, WA