Outdoor burning rules in King County, 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 is heavily restricted in King County. PSCAA bans residential yard waste burning year-round in urban growth areas. Rural burning needs a permit Sept 30-June 1 with no active burn ban.
King County is within the jurisdiction of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) under RCW 70A.15. PSCAA Regulation I prohibits outdoor burning of yard waste and construction debris in all urban growth areas of King County, which covers most of the incorporated county and urban service boundary. Rural outdoor burning of yard waste requires a permit from PSCAA under WAC 173-425; permits are issued only between September 30 and June 1, and only when Air Quality Index is Good or Moderate. Land clearing burning requires additional permit and is restricted. Washington DNR (RCW 76.04) issues burn permits for forest protection zones; DNR burn permits are required in unincorporated rural areas outside UGA. Seasonal burn bans are common June through October; during Stage 1 or Stage 2 burn bans, ALL outdoor burning including recreational fires may be banned. Natural gas and propane appliances are exempt from burn bans. Fire Marshal 206-296-6600 coordinates with Fire District 40, 44, and others. Check PSCAA burn ban status at pscleanair.gov daily during dry months.
Civil penalty up to 10,000 dollars per day under RCW 70A.15.3160 for PSCAA violations. DNR burn permit violations can result in liability for suppression costs if fire escapes. Misdemeanor charges possible during burn bans.
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