Kirkland, WA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Kirkland, WA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max Size
- 3 ft wide, 2 ft tall
- Setback
- 25 ft from structures
- Fuel
- Clean wood or charcoal only
- Attendance
- Adult + water source required
- Burn Bans
- Suspend all open wood fires
Summary
Backyard fires in Kirkland must be under 3 feet wide, 25 feet from structures, clean-wood fueled, and attended until fully extinguished; burn bans suspend all open wood fires.
I live in the Kirkland city limits, can I burn my leaves and brush? Outdoor burning of leaves, yard waste or garbage is banned in Kirkland. For air quality questions, call the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency at 206-343-8800. For air quality/indoor burning restrictions visit the Puget Sound Clear Air Agency site, or call 1-800-595-4341. [...] Kirkland Fire Department employs approximately 135 employees who are involved in a diverse range of activities. The department provides 24-hour coverage for fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials and emergency medical responses. The department also provides fire prevention and education, fire investigations, inspections, code compliance and disaster preparedness services to the population.
Full Breakdown
Backyard recreational fires in Kirkland are regulated under International Fire Code Section 307 adopted through KMC Title 21, plus Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Regulation I. Allowed fires include cooking fires, chimineas, fire bowls, and small campfires that stay under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, sit at least 25 feet from any structure, fence, deck, overhang, or combustible material, and burn only clean dry seasoned firewood, charcoal briquettes, or commercially manufactured fire logs. Burning of yard debris, trash, treated lumber, painted wood, plastics, or pallets is always prohibited.
An adult must attend the fire at all times with a garden hose, extinguisher, or water bucket ready, and the fire must be fully extinguished (cold to the touch) before leaving it unattended. During PSCAA Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans and during red-flag weather declared by Kirkland Fire or DNR, even small recreational wood fires are prohibited; propane and natural gas fire features remain allowed during burn bans.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction under adopted IFC 307; PSCAA civil penalties for burning prohibited materials; reckless burning under RCW 76.04 if a wildfire results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard bonfire in Kirkland?
Are propane fire pits allowed during a burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
How Kirkland compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Kirkland 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.