Burn Ban Takes Effect Monday in Unincorporated King County

The King County Fire Marshall issued a fire safety burn ban effective Monday, July 29 due to continuing dry conditions.

A number of brush fires have broken out in the area, including a Mt. Si blaze that fire crews are battling Friday afternoon, July 26.

Fire safety burn bans are issued by the King County Fire Marshal, in cooperation with other county and state agencies, when dry weather conditions have caused trees and other vegetation to be more susceptible to catching fire from natural conditions or human activities.  

Restricts all outdoor burning including:  fire pits, patio fireplaces, campfires, bonfires, chimneys, land clearing fires, trash barrel fires.
  
Does not impact use of certified indoor wood stoves or fireplaces.

Recreational fires must:

• 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 located 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; and
• Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire shall be in constant attendance at the site while burning.

For properties located within cities, please contact your local jurisdiction for requirements. This ban remains in effect until further notice.

-- Information from the King County Fire Marshal