Yakima, WA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Three overlapping authorities regulate outdoor burning around Yakima: (1) the Washington Clean Air Act (RCW 70A.15) and Department of Ecology rules at WAC 173-425 (residential outdoor burning) and WAC 173-430 (agricultural burning) are implemented locally by Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA), which has jurisdiction over air pollution in Yakima County; (2) RCW 76.04 (DNR Forest Protection Act) governs outdoor burning on or threatening forest land and authorizes DNR fire-restriction seasons; and (3) the 2021 Washington State Fire Code adopted by YMC Chapter 10.05 governs fire-safety conditions for any permitted fire. YRCAA's published rules treat residential outdoor burning as restricted countywide year-round and as completely banned during YRCAA-called burn stages. Under Stage 1 (Yellow) and Stage 2 (Red), all outdoor burning is banned countywide, specifically including outdoor fireplaces, fire bowls, fire pits, and similar devices; only EPA-certified woodstoves and inserts (Stage 1) or no wood-burning at all (Stage 2 with limited exemption) may be used for indoor heat. Yakima County imposes a separate annual residential outdoor burn ban each summer for unincorporated areas - effective June 1 through September 1 - banning outdoor open burning, bonfires, and recreational fires while still allowing propane, natural gas, and charcoal barbeques. Agricultural field burning and orchard burning are not allowed without a YRCAA permit (WAC 173-430). Residential land-clearing burning is generally prohibited inside cities and urban growth areas under WAC 173-425-040. Violations of the residential ban inside unincorporated Yakima County may carry fines up to $1,000 plus possible arrest; YRCAA violations are enforced through Notice of Violation and civil penalties under the Clean Air Act framework.