Fire pit rules in Kennewick, WA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fires in Kennewick, WA (Benton County, population approximately 84,000) are regulated by the Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A, which adopts the 2021 International Fire Code) as enforced locally under Kennewick Municipal Code (KMC) Chapter 15.30 (Fire Prevention Code), together with the Benton Clean Air Agency (BCAA) outdoor-burning rules under WAC 173-425. BCAA limits a recreational fire inside Kennewick city limits to 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet tall, fueled only by dry, seasoned firewood, set back at least 50 feet from any structure, and continuously attended. A recreational fire may not be used to dispose of yard debris.
Kennewick adopts the Washington State Fire Code by reference through KMC Chapter 15.30 (Fire Prevention Code). The state Fire Code at WAC 51-54A adopts the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), and IFC Section 307 governs open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. IFC Section 307.4.2 defines a recreational fire as an outdoor fire with a fuel area no greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, used for pleasure, cooking, or warmth, with seasoned natural firewood as fuel only. The Benton Clean Air Agency (BCAA) is the regional air authority for Benton County under the Washington Clean Air Act (Chapter 70A.15 RCW) and enforces the Washington outdoor burning rule at WAC 173-425. Inside Kennewick city limits, BCAA imposes a tighter dimensional limit of 3 ft by 3 ft by 2 ft tall and requires a 50-foot setback from any structure - more restrictive than the baseline 25-foot setback in IFC Section 307.4.2. The fire must be continuously attended by an adult with a connected garden hose, a water bucket, or a fire extinguisher available until the fire is fully out. Allowed fuel is dry, seasoned firewood; yard debris (leaves, grass, brush), construction debris, treated or painted wood, garbage, and tires are prohibited as fuel under WAC 173-425-040 and IFC 307. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, manufactured fire bowls) on one- and two-family lots are governed by IFC 307.4.3 with a 15-foot setback from structures. Listed gas-fired patio appliances are not 'recreational fires' and are governed by IFC Chapter 61 (LP-gas) and manufacturer clearances. The Kennewick Fire Department and BCAA may prohibit recreational fires during burn bans, declared red-flag warnings, or when air quality is degraded.
Violation of the BCAA outdoor burning rule (WAC 173-425) is a Class 3 civil infraction enforceable by the Benton Clean Air Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology, with civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation under RCW 70A.15.3160. Violations of the Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A) and KMC Chapter 15.30 are enforceable by the Kennewick Fire Marshal under IFC Section 109 and KMC 15.30, with civil and criminal penalties available. Negligently or recklessly starting a fire that escapes and damages property may be charged criminally under RCW 9A.48.040 (Reckless burning in the second degree, a gross misdemeanor) or RCW 9A.48.050 (Reckless burning in the first degree, a felony).
Kennewick, WA
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