Outdoor burning rules in Federal Way, WA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Outdoor burning of yard debris and land-clearing waste is prohibited year-round in Federal Way under PSCAA Regulation I. Only small recreational fires under FWRC 13.31 are allowed, subject to burn bans.
Federal Way falls within the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) jurisdiction, which bans all outdoor burning of yard debris, land-clearing waste, and garbage within urban growth boundaries under PSCAA Regulation I, Section 9.11 and WAC 173-425. The city adopts these rules through FWRC Chapter 13.31 and the International Fire Code. Only small recreational fires (cooking, warmth, ceremonial) using clean firewood in a fire pit meeting size limits are permitted, and even these are suspended during PSCAA Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans. RCW 76.04 governs state-level burn permits through DNR, but permits are not available for residential land-clearing within Federal Way because it lies in PSCAA urban no-burn territory. Alternatives include curbside yard waste collection through Waste Management (Federal Way's contracted hauler), drop-off at King County transfer stations, or home composting. Violators risk PSCAA fines up to $10,000 per day for serious violations.
Illegal outdoor burning violations: PSCAA civil penalties up to $10,000 per day. Local enforcement: civil infraction under FWRC 1.15 and South King Fire citations. Violators also liable for fire suppression costs.
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