Burien, WA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Burien, WA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Where fires are allowed
- Designated picnic area barbeque unit or fire pit only
- Devices covered
- Wood, gas and briquette devices
- Other exception
- Authorization from the department
- Who is covered
- Anyone igniting, maintaining, using, or participating in a fire
- Penalty
- Class 1 civil infraction with $250.00 fine per violation
- Scope
- Parks in the City of Burien, not private property
Summary
In the City of Burien, Washington, no person can ignite or maintain any fire in a park, including wood, gas or briquette devices, except in a designated picnic area barbeque unit or fire pit, unless the department authorizes it. A violation is a Class 1 civil infraction with a $250.00 fine.
No person shall ignite or maintain any fire or participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire, including wood, gas or briquette devices, within a park except in a designated picnic area barbeque unit or fire pit unless authorized by the department.
Full Breakdown
Section 7.30.250 of the Burien Municipal Code, titled Fires, is the fire rule for City of Burien parks. No person shall ignite or maintain any fire, or participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire, within a park except in a designated picnic area barbeque unit or fire pit, unless authorized by the department. The text names wood, gas and briquette devices, so the fuel type does not exempt a fire from the rule. The wording also reaches anyone who participates in igniting, maintaining or using a fire, not only the person who lights it.
There are two ways to have a lawful fire in a Burien park: use a designated picnic area barbeque unit or fire pit, or obtain authorization from the department in advance.
This page covers parks only. Section 7.30.250 does not govern a fire pit or recreational fire on private property. Chapter 8.10 BMC, Pollution, adopts by reference a list of sections from Chapter 8.08 KCC, including the one headed 8.08.170 Outdoor fire control, but the Burien export prints only that heading and the section list, not the King County text, so the terms of that section must be read in the King County code.
Related park rules apply at the same fire. Section 7.30.320 bars possessing, discharging or causing to be discharged in any park area or parks department facility any firecracker, torpedo, rocket, firework, explosive or similar device unless authorized by the city, and § 7.40.020 makes that a misdemeanor. A fire lit after closing also means presence in a closed park under §§ 7.20.040 and 7.30.230. Section 7.30.270 bars damaging or destroying any park facility, bench, shrub, tree or lawn, and § 7.40.020 makes that a gross misdemeanor. The Burien City Council adopted these park rules in Ord. 475 in 2007.
Violations & Fines
Under § 7.40.010, a violation of any provision of Chapter 7.30, including § 7.30.250, is a Class 1 civil infraction with a monetary fine of $250.00, not including statutory assessments, for each violation. Section 7.40.030 adds loss of park or recreation facility use privileges for a reasonable period set by the parks director, and § 7.20.080 makes failure to follow park regulations sufficient reason to eject a person from a park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a campfire in a Burien park?
Can I use a charcoal or gas grill in a Burien park?
What is the penalty for an unauthorized fire in a Burien park?
Does this rule cover a fire pit in my own yard in Burien?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burien
How Burien compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Burien to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle fire pits & backyard fires.