Outdoor Burning
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Outdoor Burning

Burn Ban Status

A Stage 1 Burn Ban is now in effect for Unincorporated Pierce County and will remain in place until further notice.

For burn permit holders residing in Graham Fire & Rescue’s fire district, the Board of Commissioners have chosen to align with Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau’s burn ban regulations and will no longer impose the May 15th and October 15th burn ban dates. All issued burn permits will expire on June 1, 2025.

There are three agencies who have the authority to impose burn bans in CPFR, GFR, and OVFR’s districts. Individuals wanting to burn should familiarize themselves and comply with each agencies rules and regulations. Always check the burn ban status for each of these agencies prior to lighting a fire. Outdoor burning is not allowed if any of these three agencies have an active burn ban in place.

  1. Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, Graham Fire & Rescue, and Orting Valley Fire & Rescue: Recreational Burning is allowed in all parts of the combined fire district. Residential Outdoor Burning is only allowed in specific areas of GFR and OVFR’s districts with a valid burn permit and when there is no active burn ban imposed by the Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau or Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
  2. Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau: Pierce County issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated Pierce County effective June 1, 2025. This Stage 1 burn ban only applies to land clearing and burning of yard debris in unincorporated Pierce County. Barbecues (gas, wood, and charcoal) and small recreational fires in established fire pits on private property and approved campgrounds are still allowed.
  3. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: There are no air quality burn bans currently in effect impacting our District.

Types of Outdoor Burning

  • Residential Burning: Burning seasoned branches, leaves, grass clippings and other natural vegetation originating on the property. Residential burning requires an active burn permit.
  • Recreational Burning: Cooking fires and campfires using charcoal or seasoned firewood that occur on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Recreational fires do not require a burn permit and are permitted in all areas of the district.

Follow these requirements for a recreational fire:

    • Fires shall consist of dry seasoned firewood, “Dura-flame/Presto logs” or charcoal briquettes.
    • 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 flames 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.
  • Land Clearing Burning: Projects and burning that clear or change the land surface equate to land clearing. Land clearing fires are illegal. Only the Puget Sound Clean Agency has the authority to approve land clearing fires.

Outdoor Burning FAQs

Where in Graham Fire & Rescue and Orting Valley Fire & Rescue's Districts is Residential Burning Allowed?

When a burn ban is OFF and outdoor burning is allowed, residential burning is only allowed in specific areas of GFR and OVFR’s response areas. You can check if you live in an area where burning is allowed by entering your address into PSCAA’s Outdoor Burning Map. A Stage 1 burn ban went into effect on June 1st for unincorporated Pierce County. This is in effect until the burn ban is lifted in the fall of 2025.

If you live within an area where burning is allowed, you must be issued a burn permit prior to burning. Burn permits for residential outdoor burning are issued at no charge by GFR and OVFR.

Where can I ask my questions about outdoor burning?

For outdoor burning inquiries, please call 253-538-6400 or click here to submit your questions via our online form.

 

How do I Apply for a Burn Permit?

We are working to consolidate the burn permit management process for all three fire districts.

Community members living in areas where outdoor burning is allowed can apply for burn permits in the fall when the burn ban is lifted.

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue does not allow residential outdoor burning within it’s fire district and does not have a burn permit program.

When is it Okay to Burn?

Individuals residing in CPFR, GFR, and OVFR’s districts must adhere to district and county-wide burning rules and regulations. We will update this webpage with current information regarding burn bans.

The Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau issues a burn ban for unincorporated Pierce County on June 1st each year. The burn ban typically stays in effect until mid-to-late fall. 

Community members can sign up on the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website to receive alerts when an Air Quality Burn Ban is issued or lifted by visiting their Burn Ban Alert page. Additionally, you can visit the Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau’s website or call the Pierce County Burn Ban hotline at (253) 798-7278.

Please review Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s Burn Ban pamphlet to learn more about the health risks of breathing smoke and what is banned during an air quality burn ban.

How do I Submit a Burn Complaint?

As a permitting agency under the authority of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, CPFR, GFR, and OVFR has assumed the responsibility of complaint management and enforcement. If you wish to report a burn complaint which is a nuisance or presents an immediate hazard to persons or property, please dial 9-1-1 to report the burning.

As an alternative to calling 9-1-1, customers may contact the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the regulatory authority for smoke and clean air issues. If you would like to report a burn complaint for illegal burning, excess smoke or clean air issues, please contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

  • Visit the Air Quality Complaint Center
  • Call the air quality complaint line at 1-800-552-3565. Follow the instructions to select your language, then dial ext. 6 and leave a message with the complaint information when prompted.