Burn bans in effect for unincorporated areas of King, Pierce counties

A Stage 1 fire safety burn ban has been issued by the King County Fire Marshall to all unincorporated areas of King County, effective July 1. The warm weather conditions of late made the ban necessary.

“Although we might see some showers this week, these past months we have seen unusually dry and warm weather making conditions ripe for fires,” said Chris Ricketts, King County Fire Marshal. “As trees, underbrush, and grassy fields dry out, they can become a threat to nearby homes. We need to minimize risks as we head into fire season.”

During a Stage 1 ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, except for recreational fires in approved devices and locations, and for fires in designated fire pits, only charcoal or dry firewood is permitted (no milled lumber).

‘Unprecedented’ wildfire season has begun in Washington

No burning permits will be issued during this ban and current ones are suspended until further notice.

Regarding July 4 fireworks, those purchased at legal retailers can still be discharged in unincorporated King County on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight, though officials are encouraging residents to potentially attend a professional fireworks show instead.

To learn more, head to kcemergency.com/wildfire-smoke-info or kingcounty.gov/burnban

Pierce County

A burn ban went into effect for unincorporated Pierce County on Monday morning.

The ban applies to land clearing and yard debris outdoor burning. It does not apply to fire pits at approved campgrounds or on private property.

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