Updated 6/4/2024

On February 26, 2024, the City Council adopted KMC 15.10.052 which amended Section 307.1.1 of the International Fire Code. The amendment prohibits open burning for land clearing, yard waste disposal, garbage burning or when King County or the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issues a burn ban. The code went into effect on March 15, 2024. 

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A STAGE 1 Fire Safety Burn Ban is in effect at all times

(unless King County issues a more restrictive burn ban)

Recreational Burning

Recreational Fires, Gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills are still allowed. Approved Recreational Burn Requirements:

• Firewood shall be seasoned and dry.
• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not be used as debris disposal.
• Grow no larger than three feet in diameter.
• Be in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
• Recreational fires shall be always attended by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire with a shovel and a 5-gallon bucket of water or with a connected and charged water hose.
• Completely extinguish campfires by pouring water or moist soil in them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch. The use of self-contained camp stoves is encouraged as an alternative.
• No burning when winds exceed 15 MPH.
• If smoke or ash from the fire causes a nuisance to any neighbors, the fire must be extinguished.

Prohibited Outdoor Burning (Always Prohibited)

Certain outdoor burning activities are always prohibited (even when there isn’t an active burn ban). Prohibited activities include things like:

• Burning garbage, paper, or trash is prohibited
• Burning to clear land for development is prohibited
• Burning that causes smoke or ash nuisances is prohibited (i.e., harm to neighbors)
• Burning in burn-barrels is prohibited
• Fireworks are prohibited

Different Types of Burn Bans

There are two main types of burn bans: fire safety and air quality burn bans.

1. Fire Safety burn bans are often imposed during periods of high fire danger when weather conditions increase the risk of wildfires (e.g., dry/hot summer months).
   1. Stage 1 fire safety burn bans prohibit burning yard debris.
   2. Stage 2 fire safety burn bans prohibit all outdoor fires including recreational and ceremonial fires. 
2. Air Quality burn bans restrict burning of certain materials to help prevent smoke and air pollution, which can be harmful to people and the environment. Air quality burn bans are typically imposed based on weather conditions and air pollution levels.
   1. Stage 1 air quality burn bans prohibit burning in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves, or uncertified fireplace inserts, unless an exemption is granted by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). PSCAA may grant an exception where burning is necessary as the only source of heat. Contact PSCAA for details.
   2. Stage 2 air quality bans prohibit burning in wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified), or pellet stoves unless an exemption is granted by PSCAA.

How do I know if there is a Burn Ban in Effect?

A Stage 1 Burn Ban is always in effect. Additional Burn bans (that are more restrictive) are issued by the King County Fire Chief and local Fire Marshal.

Burn bans are implemented to restrict or prohibit certain types of outdoor burning activities in order to prevent wildfires and protect public safety.

• Fire Safety burn ban updates are posted online at Fireworks and outdoor burn bans - King County.
• Air Quality burn ban updates are posted online at Air Quality Burn Ban Status | Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, WA (pscleanair.gov).

Enforcement in Kenmore

• A violation of a fire safety burn ban is enforced by the Shoreline Fire Department. Call 911 to report a fire safety violation. 
• A violation of an air quality burn ban is enforced by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). Call 911 or 1-800-595-4341 to report an air quality violation.

Questions:

If you have questions about this information, please contact Shoreline Fire Department of PSCAA. If you have questions for the City of Kenmore, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer, Bridgit Baker.

The table below helps summarize the information provided above.