Fire Pit Regulations in Washington (WA)
Washington is rated Strict for fire pit regulations with a strictness score of 75/100. A permit is generally required for residential fire pits in Washington. Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from any structure. The maximum fire pit diameter is 36 inches. Open burning is prohibited. Burn bans are seasonal.
Full Fire Pit Regulations Summary for Washington
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Setback Distance | 15 feet |
| Maximum Diameter | 36 inches |
| Burn Ban Frequency | Seasonal |
| Open Burning Allowed | No |
| Strictness Rating | Strict (75/100) |
| Effective Date | 2025-01-01 |
Detailed Regulations
Washington has strict fire regulations, particularly in western Washington and the wildland-urban interface. The Washington Department of Natural Resources manages burn bans and fire season restrictions. Open burning is regulated by local clean air agencies. Fire pits must be contained and at least 15 feet from structures. Many jurisdictions require permits for fire pits. Air quality agencies may issue no-burn days during fall and winter. Fire season typically runs July through September.
Fire Pit Regulations by City in Washington
Fire pit rules can vary by city even within the same state. While Washington generally requires a permit, city-level rules may have additional requirements. Below are fire pit details for 4 cities in Washington.
| City | Permit | Setback | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Yes | 15 ft | Recreational fire pits allowed with conditions. Must be 15 feet from structures. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency no-burn days restrict wood burning. Gas fire pits preferred. |
| Spokane | Yes | 15 ft | Permit required. 15-foot setback. Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency restricts wood burning during inversions. |
| Tacoma | Yes | 15 ft | Fire pits allowed with permit. 15-foot setback from structures. Must follow Puget Sound Clean Air Agency guidelines. |
| Vancouver | Yes | 15 ft | Permit required. 15-foot setback. Clark County burn bans common during summer fire season. |
How Washington Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Washington with five states that have similar fire pit regulation strictness. This comparison helps illustrate where Washington stands nationally.
| State | Strictness | Permit | Setback | Burn Bans | Open Burn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (WA) | Strict | Yes | 15 ft | Seasonal | No |
| New York (NY) | Strict | Yes | 15 ft | Seasonal | No |
| Oregon (OR) | Strict | Yes | 15 ft | Seasonal | No |
| Connecticut (CT) | Strict | Yes | 25 ft | Seasonal | No |
| Florida (FL) | Strict | Yes | 25 ft | Frequent | Yes |
| California (CA) | Strict | Yes | 15 ft | Frequent | No |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Pits in Washington
Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Washington?
Yes, Washington generally requires a permit for residential fire pits. Contact your local fire department or building department for the specific permit process and fees. Some jurisdictions may exempt small, portable fire pits.
How far does a fire pit need to be from my house in Washington?
In Washington, fire pits must be at least 15 feet from any structure, including your house, garage, shed, fence, and overhanging trees. This setback also typically applies to property lines. Some local jurisdictions may require greater distances. Always measure from the nearest edge of the fire pit to the nearest point of the structure.
How big can a fire pit be in Washington?
In Washington, the maximum fire pit diameter is 36 inches. This applies to the interior burning area. Fire pits larger than this may require a special permit or variance from your local jurisdiction. The fire should generally not exceed 3 feet in height.
Are there burn bans in Washington?
Burn bans in Washington are seasonal, typically enacted during dry months when wildfire risk is elevated. Check your county's burn ban status before using a fire pit. During an active burn ban, all outdoor fires -- including fire pits -- are typically prohibited.
Can I burn wood in a fire pit in Washington?
Washington prohibits open burning, which may restrict wood-burning fire pits. Gas fire pits (propane or natural gas) are generally a better option and face fewer restrictions. Some jurisdictions may allow contained wood-burning fire pits with proper permits and containment, but gas fire pits are strongly preferred and may be the only option during burn bans.
What are the penalties for violating fire pit regulations in Washington?
Penalties for violating fire pit regulations or burn bans in Washington vary by jurisdiction but can include fines ranging from $100 to $10,000 or more. If a fire pit causes property damage or a wildfire, the responsible party may be held liable for all suppression costs and damages. In severe cases, criminal charges including arson or reckless endangerment may apply. Always follow all fire pit regulations and check burn ban status before lighting any outdoor fire.
Check Fire Pit Rules for Your City
Use our fire pit regulations lookup tool to find the specific rules for your city in Washington, or browse all 50 states to compare fire pit regulations across the country. Remember that local rules may be more specific than state-level regulations. Always check with your local fire department before installing or using a fire pit.