Fire pit rules in Yakima, WA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Yakima regulates recreational fires through the 2021 Washington State Fire Code adopted under YMC Chapter 10.05. The state code (IFC Section 307.4.2) limits recreational fires to a fuel area not more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, requires a 25-foot setback from any structure or combustible material, and requires the fire to be constantly attended with extinguishing equipment on hand. Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) burn-stage calls can override these rules and shut down all outdoor burning, including fire pits, on stagnant-air days.
Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 10.05 (Fire Code) adopts the Washington State Fire Code (currently the 2021 edition, codified at WAC 51-54A and based on the 2021 International Fire Code) by reference. The Washington State Fire Code defines a 'recreational fire' as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Under IFC Section 307.4.2, recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, conditions which could cause the fire to spread must be eliminated prior to ignition, and the fire must be constantly attended until extinguished with a means of extinguishment (portable fire extinguisher, dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, or water truck) readily available. IFC Section 307.4.3 separately allows portable outdoor fireplaces in one- and two-family dwellings provided they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and not operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA), operating under RCW 70A.15 (Washington Clean Air Act) and WAC 173-425, issues Stage 1 (Yellow) and Stage 2 (Red) burn restrictions on stagnant-air days; under YRCAA's published rules all outdoor burning, specifically including outdoor fireplaces, fire bowls, fire pits, and similar devices, is banned countywide under a Stage 1 and Stage 2 call. Yakima Fire Department (509-575-6060) enforces the recreational fire rules through the YMC 10.05 adoption of the state code.
Violations of recreational fire rules are enforced by Yakima Fire Department under YMC Chapter 10.05 (adopting the 2021 Washington State Fire Code). A fire officer may order an unlawful fire extinguished under IFC Section 307.3. Burning during a YRCAA Stage 1 or Stage 2 air-quality burn ban is a separate violation of WAC 173-425. Complaints go to Yakima Fire Department at 509-575-6060 or YRCAA at 509-834-2050.
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