Snohomish County Fire District #26

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Outdoor Burning Information

The Fire Department issues Burn Permits for areas that lie within the boundaries of Snohomish County District #26.

Burn permits will be required for all outdoor burning in the District.
Two categories of burning are allowed, depending on the address of the fire to be permitted.
Recreational fires are allowed in all areas, provided they contain only natural materials. These fires are for the purpose of recreation only and not for the purpose of debris disposal. Recreation fires shall not be larger than a 3' x 2' foot area with a maximum fire height of 2'. In addition, these fires shall conform to the fire safety regulations indicated.
Debris (natural vegetation only) may be burned, exceeding the recreational fire limit, provided the property is located outside the designated Urban Growth Boundary Area. (The city limits of Gold Bar and the May Creek tract housing development are designated inside the Urban Growth Boundary area.) U.G.A. In addition, these fires must conform to the land debris fire regulations.
Exemptions obtained from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Exemptions are given for agricultural burns, fire abatement and fire department training.

There is no charge for burn permits. The permits will be issued by the Fire Department and applicable for one year.
The Snohomish County Fire Marshal and law enforcement agencies have the authority to issue citations for burning violations at the request of the fire district.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has the authority to regulate fires that produce air pollution.
The Fire District does not have the authority to alter or authorize fires that do not meet Clean Air requirements.

EVEN THOUGH YOUR PERMIT MAY HAVE A VALID DATE, THE PERMIT IS AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED WHEN A BURN BAN IS IN EFFECT.

Once the ban has been lifted, the permit becomes valid again.

Who to call regarding complaints about burning:

If you are concerned about illegal burning that includes prohibited materials being burned, smoke causing a nuisance, or burning during times of air quality alerts, you can call the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at 1-800-552-3565.
An enforcement officer from P.S.C.A.A. will be sent to investigate the concern. The enforcement officer can fine the responsible party and request the fire department to respond for extinguishment if needed. Please do not call 911 to report air pollution concerns.

If you are concerned about the danger or safety of a fire, call 911 and report the fire to the emergency dispatch center. A Fire Department response will be sent immediately. The Fire Department Officer in charge will determine if immediate action must be taken to extinguish the fire. The Fire Department does have the authority, by law to extinguish fires that create a danger or are hostile in nature.

Who is responsible for costs if the fire escapes or has to be extinguished by the Fire Department?

If an outdoor fire started by you escapes and becomes dangerous, you may be responsible for paying costs associated with the extinguishment of that fire. The conforming to rules and regulations will be considered when assessing fire suppression costs.