Outdoor Burning

BURN BAN

Complete Burn Ban in effect beginning August 17, 2023 for Burlington city limits

Due to the continuing elevated fire risk conditions and low fuel moisture levels within Burlington city limits, the Burlington Fire Marshal’s Office joins the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in banning outdoor burns, including campfires.
 
Effective August 17, 2023, and until further notice, outdoor burning is banned in incorporated City of Burlington.
 
Enclosed barbecue and propane fire pits are allowed in improved areas, such as residential backyards, and on non-combustible surfaces which are a minimum of ten feet from vegetation or combustible materials. The use of a charcoal barbecue is allowed only on private property. Fire pits or similar enclosures with a metal grate are NOT considered barbecues. Charcoal and ash should be discarded in a metal container and doused with water. The container should be kept ten feet from vegetation or combustible materials for 72 hours.

If you have any questions, please contact Fire Marshal’s office at 360-757-6684 or 360-755-2381.

Recreational Fires Allowed

The only outdoor burning allowed in the city limits and urban growth areas are recreational fires.

  • Recreational fires are used for outdoor cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes.
  • Only propane, charcoal, dry firewood, or manufactured fire logs may be burned.
  • Fires are allowed in approved fire pits, fire bowls, and BBQs. They must be made of non-combustible material. Burn barrels are not legal.
  • Fires cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high.
  • A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be readily available to extinguish the fire.
  • A shovel or rake must also be readily available.
  • Fires must be at least 10 feet away from any structure.
  • One person age 16 or older, who is capable of putting the fire out, must be in attendance at all times.
  • The fire must be contained within a firebreak (bare ground).

Permanent Burn Ban Areas

On January 1, 2001, Washington state law permanently banned both residential and land-clearing burning in the following Skagit County cities and their urban growth areas (UGAs):

  • Anacortes
  • Burlington
  • Mount Vernon
  • Sedro-Woolley

If you have questions about air quality issues relating to outdoor burning, or would like information about the adopted WAC law please contact the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617. Download a map (PDF) to see if you are in the UGA.