Issaquah, WA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

IMC 16.06.050 replaces Section 307 of the 2021 International Fire Code. Section 307.1.1 sets the baseline: open burning is prohibited at all times, following a permanent ban established by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in September of 1992. Three activities are carved out as exceptions: bonfires, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. A backyard fire pit falls under the last two categories, and each has its own distance.

Section 307.5.2 provides that recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet must be eliminated prior to ignition. Section 307.5.3 sets 15 feet (3048 mm) for portable outdoor fireplaces, which must also be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Bonfires carry a larger distance of 50 feet unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit.

Section 307.6 requires bonfires, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces to be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, must be available for immediate use.

Burn bans override the exceptions. Under Section 307.3, if the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issues a burn ban due to air quality, or the Eastside Fire Marshal or King County Fire Marshal issues a fire safety burn ban, all fires are prohibited. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure no such ban exists before starting any fire. Section 307.4 authorizes the fire code official to order a fire extinguished when it creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or when a required permit has not been obtained. Where fire department personnel must suppress the fire, costs are invoiced through Eastside Fire and Rescue, with personnel billed at the actual rate of total compensation plus an administrative fee of 15 percent of the amount invoiced.