Know the rules before you burn: outdoor fire regulations, definitions

During this time of year many people want to burn outdoors for recreation or land clearing.

Here are the local regulations and definitions when it comes to any type of outdoor burning as provided by the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority:

• Debris removal fire: a small fire where natural vegetation such as branches are burned. Debris fires require a permit and are only allowed in the “attainment area” portions of the region. Residents can stop by any fire station during the months of May and October to find out if they are in the attainment area and to get a permit.

• Burn barrels: The use of burn barrels is not allowed at any time.

• Recreational fire: A small outdoor fire, which is no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height that is not contained in a fireplace, BBQ grill, or BBQ pit. Recreational fires are typically for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. No permit is required.

Recreational fires must be located at least 50 feet from any combustible materials such a home, wood deck, or wood fence and must have a means to extinguish the fire nearby such as a garden hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher.

• Bon fires: Any fire larger than debris or recreational fires. Bon fires are not allowed in the Puget Sound RFA response area.

• Portable fireplaces and chimeneas: These types of small devices which can be purchased at home improvement stores are permitted but must be located at least 15 feet from combustible materials.

• Those wishing to burn are required to ensure that there are no burn bans in effect. The two agencies that can issue burn bans are Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at pscleanair.org and King County Fire Marshal office at kingcounty.gov.

• Regardless of the type of fire, only natural wood, manufactured logs, or charcoal can be burned. Dimensional lumber, wood with paint or stains, and any man-made materials are not allowed.

• It is the responsibility of the person doing the burning to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the fire and monitor it at all times. If neighbors complain about the smoke, the fire must be extinguished immediately.

• Please consider using a propane or natural gas powered fireplace or other type of outdoor burner. These gasses are safe, burn cleanly and are not subject to the same regulations as wood burning devices.