NO LONGER ACTIVE – MORE INFO HERE
COUNTY-WIDE FIRE-SAFETY BURN BAN CANCELED AS OF 10 SEPTEMBER 2009
Outdoor Burning Information
Burn Permits are required and issued by the Office of the County Fire Marshal and participating local fire districts for residential burning. Permits will be issued outside the Urban Growth Areas (UGA) that are located outside of the established no-burn zones and are within fire protection districts of unincorporated Snohomish County.
Prior to any burning you we suggest you contact our Burning Information Line at 425-388-3508 to verify that there are no Burn Bans or Burning Limitations that may have been placed due to high fire danger or air quality conditions. For additional air quality information you can contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Burn Permits
Residential Burn Permits
Residential burning (a burn pile no larger than 4′x4′x3′) requires a permit under our burn permit ordinance. Residential burning means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee.
No household garbage or construction debris is allowed to be burned.
An instructional guide has been prepared to detail the requirements of the residential burn permit application and to provide a list of general conditions typically attached to each permit. The residential burn permit application can be submitted to the Office of the County Fire Marshal by mail, fax, or in person (please allow 5 days processing). The permit fee is $30.90 and the permit shall be issued for 365 days. The permit may also be renewed annually for $15.45.
If you are unsure if a permit is required, please feel free to contact our office at (425) 388-3557. We will be happy to assist you.
Land Clearing Burn Permits are No Longer Available
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) bans all land clearing burning in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties effective July 1, 2008.
A permanent ban on land-clearing burning in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties was adopted by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s Board of Directors. The ban is effective July 1, 2008.
Recreational Fires
Recreational fires, no larger than 3′ x 3′ x 2′ in size, do not require a permit. By definition recreational fires are cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires.
Participating Fire Districts
As of November 17, 2004 a number of fire districts have entered into an interlocal agreement with Snohomish County, to issue permits on behalf of the County and will regulate burning and burn permits within their district. If you live within the jurisdictional boundaries of one of these districts, it will be necessary to contact them to obtain a burn permit. Participating Districts
WILDFIRES As more people move to remote areas wildfires have become increasingly common as that creates an environment where fire can move readily between structures and vegetation. Emergency response can be difficult in these isolated and undeveloped areas. There is no guarantee that firefighters will be able to save your home if a wildfire occurs so it is imperative that property owners in the Wildland/Urban Iinterface (WUI) understand the risks and prepare appropriately. For more information contact your local fire department and visit www.firewise.org.
Office of the County Fire Marshal
Michael W. McCrary, Fire Marshal
We make every effort to ensure that all burn ban announcements and restrictions are posted. Always call or visit your county and local clean air agency and check the DNR fire danger for the most current information. Click here for a list of air authorities.