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Home Outdoor Burning
Pierce County Fire District 16 Outdoor Burning Regulations
Pierce County Fire District 16 is responsible for all fire protection on the Key Peninsula.  The District is under contract with the Department of Natural Resources to provide wildland fire suppression.  Along with Department of Natural Resources regulations, the District administers the Uniform Fire Code under State and County ordinances and the Clean Air Act under the direction of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

No outdoor fires are permitted during any stage of an air pollution episode or during any period of impaired air quality as determined by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Residential outdoor burning is not permitted during a fire-safety burn ban, and recreational fires may also be prohibited during a fire safety burn ban, so please call ahead.

Recretional Fire Guidelines

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 22:45
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"Recreational fire" means 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.

Recreational fires are allowed without a permit within Pierce County Fire District #16. At times recreational fires may be banned altogether or may require a permit during a fire-safety burn ban. Please review the recreational fire guideline pamphlet posted below and check on the status of any current burn bans prior to starting a recreational fire.

To view the complete Recreational Fire Regulations, download the file below:

Recreational Fire Regulations (PDF)

Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 22:46
 

The Different Types of Burn Bans

Friday, 12 June 2009 14:39
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There are 2 different types of Burn Bans that can be put into effect in Pierce County. Air quality burn bans are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when air pollution levels rise to unhealthy levels. Fire safety burn bans are issued and enforced by local fire departments when dry weather conditions heighten the risk of wildfires. A permanent ban on land-clearing burning in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties was adopted by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency effective July 1, 2008. Land clearing burning means outdoor burning of land clearing debris from land clearing projects (i.e., projects that clear the land surface so it can be developed, used for a different purpose, or left unused). For more information on the new law regarding land clearing burns, click on the following link: Burn Ban Law

Last Updated on Monday, 19 July 2010 09:48 Read more...
 

Residential Burning Regulations

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 22:46
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"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.

Large Residential Burns (Permit Required)

All residential burns over four (4) feet in diameter are considered a “large residential fire” and require a permit.  These burns may not exceed ten (10) feet in diameter.  Permits are available at the Key Center Fire Station or you can download them below and then submit them at The Key Center Fire Station.  The permit fee for large residential burn piles is $30.00.

To view the complete Residential Burning Guidelines and to get a copy of a Burn Permit Application, download the files by clicking below:

Residential Fire Regulations (PDF)

Burn Permit Application (PDF)

Small Residential Burns (Notification Required)

Fires under four (4) feet in diameter requires that the party conducting the burn have a copy of these rules on-site and that they make contact with the Fire Department on the day of the burn to confirm that no bans are in affect, as well as to acquire information about outdoor burning regulations and to inform the Fire Department you will be burning.  Your information must be on file with the District prior to any residential outdoor burning.

To view the Residential Burning Regulations, download the file by clicking below:

Residential Fire Regulations (PDF)

 

Alternatives to Burning

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 22:49
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HAUL IT! Rake up your excess material and haul it to your nearest Recycling/Transfer Station. Also, check with your local waste disposal company for curbside yard waste recycling  availability.

COMPOST IT! Composting yard and garden waste protects the air, land and water resources while providing a rich garden fertilizer.

CHIP IT! Some residents are choosing to chip their debris. Chippers may be rented or a chipping service hired to take care of your material. Wood chips make excellent mulch around trees and shrubs and can also be used to soften garden paths.

MULCH IT! By mulching, we can easily put nature’s recycling system to work in our own backyard. Spread yard and garden debris around shrubs, trees, and other plantings. Mulching keeps the soil loose and moist, smothers weeds, prevents soil loss and releases nutrients as it decomposes.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 22:51
 


Burn Ban Status



Air Quality:
no

Fire Safety:
yes

Land Clearing:
yes

Burn Permits

Burn Permit Applications are available to you here online or in person at Station 46 (Key Center). All Permit Applications must be dropped off at Station 46 in Key Center during normal business hours so an inspection date can be scheduled.

Burn Permit Application

Recreational Fire Guidelines

Residential Fires Guidelines

Special Purpose Fire Guidelines

Penalties

Non compliance with these regulations can result in the issuance of a citation and/or a civil penalty up to $16,000 per day, levied by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.  You may be charged for the extinguishment of an illegal fire at rates set by the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association.
pscaa_logoThe outdoor burning law is enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and not The Key Peninsula Fire Dept. We are however, required, to investigate burn complaints and will ask that illegal or nuisance outdoor burning fires be extinguished. For questions, please contact the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at 1(800)552-3565 or visit their website at http://www.pscleanair.org.