Island County, WA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Island County, WA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max size without permit
- 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high
- Setback from structures
- 25 feet
- Fuel allowed
- Charcoal or firewood only
- Bonfire permit size cap
- 20 ft diameter x 20 ft high
- Fine for violation
- $125.00 (Class 2 infraction)
Summary
A recreational fire in unincorporated Island County can be built without a permit if it stays no bigger than 3 feet across by 2 feet high and sits at least 25 feet from combustibles, structures, timber, or power lines. Anything larger needs a bonfire permit from Health Services.
Types of burning allowed without a permit. Outdoor recreational fires that are three (3) feet in diameter by two (2) feet high, or smaller, are allowed without a permit within the limited outdoor burning areas as well as all other unincorporated areas in Island County so long as such recreational fires comply with section 9.40.340 if on public park lands and are not located on DNR protected lands. ... Conditions on recreational fires allowed without a permit. Recreational fires allowed without a permit must comply with chapter 173-425 WAC, section 9.10.040.F., and the following conditions:1.Recreational fires may not exceed three (3) feet in diameter by two (2) feet in height.2.The fire must be twenty-five (25) feet from all combustibles, structures, standing timbers, or power lines.
Full Breakdown
D exempts small recreational fires, cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires of charcoal or firewood, from the county's outdoor burning permit requirement everywhere in the unincorporated county, including inside the limited burning Urban Growth Areas, as long as the fire is 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high or smaller and is not on Department of Natural Resources protected land. G attaches the operating conditions: the fire cannot exceed 3 feet by 2 feet, and it must be kept 25 feet away from all combustibles, structures, standing timber, or power lines.
340. F: weather must allow safe burning, only natural vegetation may be burned (no garbage, plastics, treated wood, or petroleum products), someone capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times, and the fire must be put out immediately if it creates a nuisance or is banned by an active air pollution or fire danger burn ban. I.
Violations & Fines
An unpermitted recreational fire that exceeds the 3-foot by 2-foot limit, sits inside 25 feet of a structure or combustibles, or is left unattended is treated as unlawful outdoor burning under Section 9.10.050 and is a civil infraction under Section 9.10.070, a Class 2 infraction carrying a $125.00 fine, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Island County?
How far from my house does my fire pit need to be?
Can I burn anything besides wood or charcoal in a recreational fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Island County
How Island County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Island County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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