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Effective September 15th 2004, Snohomish County Fire District 26 will issue burning permits for areas that lye within the district.
1. Burning permits will be required for all outdoor buring in the district.
2. Two categories of burning are allowed depending on the address of the fire to be permitted.
A. Recreational Fires: Are allowed in all areas provided they contain only natural materials. These fires are for the purpose of recreation only and not for the purpose of debris disposal. Recreation fires shall not be larger than a 3' X 2' foot area with a maximum fire height of 2' feet. In addition these fires shall conform to the fire safety regulaions indicated.
B. Debris Fires: (Natural Vegetation Only) may be burned exceeding the recreational fire limits provided the property is located outside the Urban Growth Boundary Area. (The City of Gold Bar and the May Creek Tract housing development are designated inside the Urban Growth Boundary.) In addition these fires must conform to the land debris fire regulations.
Is There A Cost?
There is no charge for burning permits in Snohomish County Fire District 26 area. The permits will be issued and applicable for a one year period.
Who Regulates Outdoor Burning?
Through an agreement with Snohomish County, Snohomish County Fire District 26 has elected to issue burning permits for its protected area. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal Office and Law Enforcement Agencies have the authority to issue citations for burning violations at the request of Snohomish County Fire District 26.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) has the authority to regulate fires that produce air pollution. Snohomish County Fire District 26 does not have the authority to alter or authorize fires that do not meet Clean Air requirements. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency can be contacted at
1-800-552-3565.
How Do I Know When There Is A Burning Ban In Effect?
Even though your permit may have a valid date, the permit is automatically suspended during times of burning ban. Once the ban has been lifted the permit becomes valid once agian.
There are two reasons for a burning ban (No outdoor fires of any kind are allowed). The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency bans all burning in times of severe air pollution levels. You can find out if there is a burning ban for this reason by calling (425) 339-2300. This situation is usually printed in newspapers and broadcast on local news media.
The second reason for a burning ban is the danger of fire spread in abnormally dry conditions. This condition is also published in local newspapers and will be posted on the fire district bulletin boards. You can call Snohomish County Fire District 26 at (360)793-1335 for this information also.
Who Do I Call When I Have A Complaint About Burning?
If you are concerned about illegal burning, including illegal materials being burned, smoke is causing a nuisance, exceeding burning limits, burning during times of air quality alerts and burning outside dates authorized, you can call the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at 1-800-552-3565. An enforcement officer from PSCAA will be sent to investigate the concern. The enforcement officer can fine the responsible party and request the fire department to respond for extinguishment if needed. Please do not call 911 to report air pollution concerns.
If you are concerned about the danger or safety of the fire then you call 911 and report the fire to the emergency dispatch center. The dispatch center will then respond the fire department to the fire for an emergency response. The fire department officer in charge will determine if immediate action must be taken to extinguish the fire. The fire department does have the authority, by law to extinguish fires that create a danger or are hostile in nature.
Am I Responsible For Costs If The Fire Escapes Or Has To Be Extinguished By The Fire Department?
If an outdoor fire started by you escapes and becomes dangerous, you may be responsible for paying the costs associated with extinguishment of that fire. If the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency requests the fire department to respond and extinguish any illegal fire you will likely be charged fire suppression fees in addition to penalties invoked by the PSCAA regulations.
The rules and regulations listed apply to those lands that lye within Snohomish County Fire District 26 and that are outside the Urban Growth Boundary Areas.
Revocation of burning privileges may be imposed at any time for violation of these rules and regulations.
A minimum of 50' clearance from any structure, standing timber, fence or other burnable materials shall be maintained. Piles exceeding 5' in diameter shall increase the minimum clearance by 10' for every 1' over the 5' pile size. Example: A pile of 12' in diameter shall have a clearance of 120'.
Only open burning is allowed. No burning barrels are permitted.
A person at least 14 years of age must be present at the immediate fire site during burning and remain at the site until all visible emissions cease.
A charged garden hose is preferred at the site of burning. Fifty (50) gallons of water may be substituted if a hose can not be obtained.
Fires larger than 10 feet in diameter are required to have a bulldozer or equivalent on the site with a qualified operator.
All fires will have a fire break of non-combustible material around the fire of not less than 4 feet in diameter.
Any time a nearby resident which has a respiratory condition that the smoke or particles of combustion may irritate, the fire must immediately be extinguished. Coordination with the resident is encouraged to allow burning while the affected resident is away from his / her home.
All fires shall consist of natural vegetation only originating on the site. No materials shall be hauled in to the site.
No materials will be burned which causes or creates dense smoke of offensive odor in the opinion of the fire department.
No fires shall be allowed during wind conditions which exceed seven (7) M.P.H.
Roadways capable of sustaining fire apparatus shall be provided to within 200 feet of all burn piles.
All costs associated with fire suppresssion of any fire intentionally started shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
A maximum of three burn piles no larger than 25' in diameter may be burned at one time.
(360)793-1335
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
1-800-552-3565
Emergency
911