| TYPE | 2022 | AVG | DIFF |
| Total: | 302 | 249 | +21% |
| EMS: | 219 (73%) | 180 (72%) | +22% |
| Fire: | 68 (23%) | 48 (19%) | +42% |
| Other: | 15 (5%) | 20 (8%) | -25% |
Small outdoor residential burn piles that do not exceed 4 x 4 x 3 feet are allowed within the boundaries of Fire District 23 when burn bans are not active. A burn permit is required and is available via the form below. Primary rules that need to be followed include:
- Valid permit must be on site while burning.
- No prohibited materials may be burned, including: paper, cardboard, garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, treated lumber metal, or any other substance other than natural vegetation, which when burned releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or noxious odors.
- Burn Barrels are illegal.
- Fire must not create a nuisance for smoke, ash, obscure visibility on public roads or highways, or endanger life and property through negligent spread of fire or pollutants.
- Maximum pile size of 4 x 4 x 3 feet.
- Only 1 (one) pile can be burned at one time.
- Construct a firebreak to bare earth of 3 feet.
- Do not burn if the wind is blowing more than 10 mph from the East
- One person is required to be present while burning at all times.
- At least a charged garden hose shall be on site during the burn
- Fire must be completely extinguished before leaving.
- Check burn ban and/or air quality restrictions prior to burning
Other burn permit rules and regulations are listed on the permit and must be adhered to at all times.
The permittee, by igniting a fire pursuant to this permit, accepts all responsibility for fire suppression costs incurred, or damage sustained, to any person or property resulting from any violation of this permit. If the fire escapes, regardless of cause, the permittee shall be responsible for paying all costs of manpower and suppression equipment as required by chapters 52.12 & 76.04 RCW.
Depending on where you are in proximity to geographic or political boundaries, various activities may either be allowed, restricted or temporarily banned due to fire weather conditions or air quality. The following table is provided to help clear up any confusion on what activities may be allowed within each geographic area. Click on the locality name for more information. (Updated Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 1:22:45 PM by mm)
| LOCALITY | Fireworks | Wood Stove Heating | Propane or Gas Devices with On/Off Controls | Charcoal or Solid Fuel Devices | Small Recreational/Cooking Fires in Approved Rings/Pits | Small (4x4x3 ft) Land Clearing Burns |
Large (>4x4x3 ft) Land Clearing Burns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Pierce County | Not currently allowed | No restrictions | No restrictions | Allowed - use caution | Allowed - use caution | Allowed with Permit | Not currently allowed |
| Unincorporated Lewis County | Not currently allowed | No restrictions | No restrictions | Allowed - use caution | Allowed - use caution | Allowed with Permit | Allowed with Permit |
| DNR Lands in Pierce County | Never allowed | No restrictions | No restrictions | Allowed - use caution | Allowed - use caution | Allowed with Permit | Not currently allowed |
| DNR Lands in Lewis County | Never allowed | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | Allowed with Permit | Allowed with Permit |
| USFS/Gifford Pinchot National Forest | Never allowed | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | Allowed with Permit | Allowed with Permit |
| Mount Rainier National Park | Never allowed | No restrictions | No restrictions | Allowed in approved campsites, use caution | Allowed in approved campsites, use caution | Never Allowed | Never Allowed |
As of August 5, 2022, we are accepting applications for burn permits but please note that they will not be valid until fire weather conditions improve and burn bans are rescinded.
