Outdoor Burning
Washington State law prohibits residential burning and land-clearing fires in all areas served by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. This means the burning of yard waste (leaves, branches, twigs, etc.) is not allowed. Using burn barrels and burning any type of garbage is also prohibited.
Yard waste (grass clippings, branches smaller than 4" in diameter, etc.) is accepted at the LRI Hidden Valley Transfer Station free of charge.
RECREATIONAL FIRES
Recreational fires are allowed within Central Pierce Fire & Rescue on your private property, providing there is no burn ban in effect. According to state rules the term “recreational fires” means, “Cooking fires and campfires using charcoal or firewood for cooking or pleasure. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires.”
Recreational fires are allowed with a free permit issued by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. Permits are valid for one year and must be kept on site. Permits are available at all Central Pierce Fire & Rescue fire stations (providing the crews are in quarters), at our headquarters, Station 60 (17520 22nd Ave. E.) and Station 71 (902 7th St. NW- Puyallup) during normal business hours.
RECREATIONAL FIRE REQUIREMENTS
FACTORY MANUFACTURED BARBECUES USING CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES, NATURAL GAS, OR PROPANE GAS FOR FUEL ARE EXEMPT FROM THESE REGULATIONS AND DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT.
GENERAL
•Fire permit shall be on site at all times.
•Permit may be revoked at any time by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (Pierce County Fire District #6).
•No burning shall occur during any burn ban that exists as a result of hazardous conditions, air pollution or other environmental conditions.
•No garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paint, rubber products, tire, plastic, paper products, plywood, finished lumber or particle board may be burned.
•Burn barrels shall not be utilized for burning.
RECREATIONAL FIRES
•Fires shall consist of dry seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes.
•Burning of yard waste is not allowed in recreational fire pits (no branches, shrubbery, or wet wood).
•Recreational/campfires are allowed if built in metal or concrete lined fire pits like those located in designated campgrounds, local, county, state parks and in commercial campgrounds. The use of self-contained camp stoves is encouraged.
•Fires shall not be within twenty-five (25) feet of a structure.
•Fires shall not be within ten (10) feet of adjoining property lines, fences, or decks.
•Pits shall not exceed three (3) feet in diameter and two (2) feet in height.
•The depth of the pit shall be a minimum of four (4) inches and capable of containing all burned material.
•A minimum of ten (10) feet shall be maintained around the entire pit, free of grass, shrubbery, weeds, vegetation and any other combustible material, including overhanging limbs from trees.
•Fires shall be attended at all times by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five (5) gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
•Permits will be valid for one (1) year from the time of issuance, unless the permit has been revoked for failure to follow requirements.
COMPLAINTS / VIOLATIONS
When burning, it is unlawful for any person to allow sufficient quantities of particulate matter or air contaminants to be injurious to human health, plant or animal life, or property, or to unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of life and property. Such complaints shall require the Fire District to request the immediate extinguishment of the fire.
Failure to comply with permit requirements can lead to the issuing of a citation by PSCAA. The maximum penalty is $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days.