Intro

Regulations

Permit Info

Permit Info

Types of Burning that Require a Permit:

• Recreational fires – These fires consist only of charcoal or firewood and are used for cooking or pleasure. All recreational fires that are larger than 3’ feet in diameter and 2’ feet high require a permit.  Your fire official or city may have additional restrictions. 
• Residential fires – These fires consist of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and garden debris that are generated on site.  All residential fires require a burn permit except in Skagit County. (This is because Skagit County’s unincorporated population is less than 50,000.  Skagit County residents need permits for fires larger than 4’x4’x3’).
• Land-clearing fires – These fires consist of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation generated on site. All land-clearing burning requires a permit.
• Silvicultural fires – These are fires on forested lands that will be replanted and remain forested.
• Other types of burning – The following types of fires are allowed in all areas including permanent burn ban areas:
  • Agricultural burning
  • Storm & flood debris
  • Fire training
  • Rare and endangered plant regeneration fires
  • Ceremonial fires
  • Weed abatement fires

Who Issues Permits?

• Northwest Clean Air Agency – issues permits for all live training fires, agricultural, and “other types” of burning (see above).
• Cities & fire officials with permitting programs – issue permits for recreational, residential and land-clearing fires within their jurisdictional boundaries.
• County Fire Wardens – issue permits for recreational, residential and land-clearing fires in unincorporated areas of the county. 
• Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – issues all silvicultural fire permits. Call 360.856.3500 to obtain a DNR silvicultural permit.