Outdoor Burning in West Pierce
(Burn Ban update as of Wednesday, August 12)
Due to extremely dry conditions and a concerning uptick of brush fires and wildfire risk, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) will be upgrading its Burn Ban on Monday, August 17, to align with the Stage 2 Burn Ban to be in effect for unincorporated Pierce County.
Under the upgraded burn ban, recreational fires like outdoor fire pits, backyard fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces will be prohibited.
Barbecues that use gas, wood, or charcoal are allowed if they are on a non-combustible surface (like concrete).
Please remember that burning trash and yard debris is never allowed within WPFR’s jurisdiction, no matter the time of year.
This burn ban applies to all cities within WPFR’s jurisdiction, not just unincorporated areas.
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Prohibited Burning
- It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor. If smoke bothers your neighbors or otherwise becomes a nuisance, you must immediately put it out.
- Burning of trash and/or yard debris is not allowed.
- The use of a burn barrel is prohibited.
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Safety Tips
- West Pierce Fire & Rescue asks that you consider these safety tips when using a recreational fire of any kind.
- Fires shall not exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height.
- Recreational fires need to be at least 25 feet from anything that can burn.
- Only charcoal, dried firewood, or manufactured fire logs may be used. Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids in a recreational fire.
- Avoid burning on windy, dry days. With these conditions, it is easy for outdoor burning to quickly spread out of control.
- Do not leave fires unattended at any time. Have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt nearby to extinguish the fire fully before leaving the area.
- An adult should always be present and supervise children around any fire, including campfires, fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces.
- Keep children at least three feet away from any fire to ensure their safety.
- Chimineas should not be placed on a deck or other combustible surface. Bricks or cement create a steady surface for the chiminea to rest and decreases the risk of an unwanted fire.
- Be sure any recreational fire is not under an overhead structure. Be sure low hanging branches are cleared from nearby trees.
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Resources
For more information, please visit:
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
www.pscleanair.org
1.800.552.3565For alternative methods to burning in Pierce County, please visit:
www.piercecountywa.org