Burn Information
Outdoor burning is a leading cause of wildfires in Washington State. Every year, escaped burn piles start fires that threaten homes and wildlands in San Juan County. Following burn regulations protects your property, your neighbors, and our firefighters.
Burn permits, live burn status, and the current rules are all on our burn permit portal. This page explains the rules and your options in more detail.
Burn Status
The Fire Safety panel on this page shows the live burn status. Always check it on the day you burn, because conditions can change daily.
- Open: Permitted and recreational fires are allowed.
- Closed: No permitted burns. Recreational fires may still be allowed.
- Burn Ban: No outdoor burning of any kind.
Fireworks are banned throughout San Juan County year-round.
Burn Season
Burn permits are issued from early October, weather permitting, through May 31st. Extensions may be issued if moisture levels permit. No burn permits are issued from July through September.
Season dates move with the weather. Check the current status before you burn, not the date on your permit.
Even though we live in a beautiful green area surrounded by water, there is still a very real fire danger during the summer and fall. Remember: "ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES".
Types of Burning
Recreational Fires (Campfires)
No permit is required. Recreational fires are allowed year-round except when a burn ban is in effect.
- 3 feet across or less, in a ring, pit, or bowl
- Flames no higher than 3 feet
- Clean, dry firewood or charcoal only
- Someone attending the fire the whole time
- Water on hand: 5 gallons or a charged hose
- At least 3 feet of clear space around the fire, well away from structures
- No fires when the wind is over 10 mph
- Put it dead out before you leave it
Propane and Gas Appliances
Self-contained propane and gas stoves, grills, and fire pits, where the fuel shuts off at a valve, are tracked separately from recreational fires, so they can stay allowed when campfires are restricted.
- Set them up over a non-flammable surface
- Keep them 5 feet from anything that can burn
- Charcoal, briquettes, and wood-burning BBQs are not gas appliances; they follow the recreational fire rules
Residential Burns
A permit is required for burning yard debris and brush at home. Residential permits cover piles up to 10 feet across and 6 feet tall, are valid for the burn season, and need no inspection.
Commercial Burns
A permit is required for land clearing and any pile larger than 10 feet across or 6 feet tall. Commercial permits are issued per project site, and the district inspects the site before you light.
What You Can and Can't Burn
- Burn only natural vegetation from your property: yard debris, brush, and clean, dry wood.
- Never burn garbage, plastic, painted or treated wood, or construction debris. Burning garbage can draw a fine.
- Burn barrels are prohibited at all times. See the WA State Department of Ecology for more information.
Your Responsibilities
When you burn, you're responsible for:
- Knowing and following all permit conditions
- Checking the current burn status before you light
- Having proper suppression equipment on-site
- Controlling and supervising the fire until it's completely out
If your fire escapes, you may be liable for suppression costs, regardless of whether you're the permit holder or property owner. The person attending the burn is responsible.
Alternatives to Burning
Burning isn't the only way to deal with yard waste, and the alternatives produce no smoke and carry no fire risk:
- Compost leaves, grass clippings, and small prunings.
- Chip or mulch branches and brush, and use the mulch on garden beds and paths.
- Haul or drop off yard waste for recycling instead of burning it.
- Leave a small brush pile in a safe spot away from structures as wildlife habitat.
Clearing brush and debris also helps create defensible space around your home. See Wildfire Ready and Firewise for help.
State and National Parks
Parks may suspend all burning during high-risk conditions, including BBQs and gas grills. State Park, DNR, and private campground rules can differ from county rules, so check the rules where you're staying before you light a fire.