Why are there different types of burn bans?

  1. Fire Safety Burn Ban
  2. Air Quality Burn Ban
  3. DNR Burn Ban

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal is responsible for all fire safety burn bans in unincorporated Snohomish County. These are usually issued in response to hot and/or dry conditions.

CURRENT BURN BAN INFO  - The burn ban has been lifted as of September 14, 2018

Call Before You Burn    


Prior to any burning you we suggest you contact our Burning Information Line at 425-388-3508 to verify that there are no Burn Bans or Burning Limitations that may have been placed due to high fire danger or air quality conditions. For additional air quality information you can contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
 
A permanent ban on land-clearing burning in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties was adopted by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's Board of Directors. The ban is effective July 1, 2008.

Burn Permits


Burn Permits are required and issued by the Office of the County Fire Marshal and participating local fire districts for residential burning. Permits will be issued outside the Urban Growth Areas (UGA) that are located outside of the established no-burn zones and are within fire protection districts of unincorporated Snohomish County.
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Participating Fire Districts


As of November 17, 2004, a number of fire districts have entered into an inter-local agreement with Snohomish County, to issue permits on behalf of the county and will regulate burning and burn permits within their district. South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue (SSCRF) does NOT allow yard debris burning.
Participating Fire Districts


Permit Application & Fee


An instructional guide has been prepared to detail the requirements of the residential burn permit application and to provide a list of general conditions typically attached to each permit. The residential burn permit application can be submitted to the Office of the County Fire Marshal by mail, fax, or in person (please allow five days processing). The permit fee is $30.90 and the permit shall be issued for 365 days. The permit may also be renewed annually for $15.45. Land clearing burn permits are no longer available.
Residential Burning
Residential burning, a burn pile no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet, requires a permit under our burn permit ordinance. Residential burning means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings, and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee.

Recreational Fires
Recreational fires, no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet in size, do not require a permit. By definition recreational fires are cooking fires, and campfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires.
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Wildfires
As more people move to remote areas wildfires have become increasingly common as that creates an environment where fire can move readily between structures and vegetation. Emergency response can be difficult in these isolated and undeveloped areas. There is no guarantee that firefighters will be able to save your home if a wildfire occurs so it is imperative that property owners in the Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI) understand the risks and prepare appropriately. For more information contact your local fire department.