Burn Ban Issued For Unincorporated Pierce County

GIG HARBOR, WA — The Pierce County Fire Marshal and Pierce County Fire Chiefs' Association have declared a county-wide burn ban, effective starting at 8 a.m. Thursday morning, and which will stay in place until further notice.

The ban is only applicable to unincorporated Pierce County, so restrictions may vary for residents who live within city limits, depending on the city.

According to officials, the county-wide ban outlaws all land clear and yard debris outdoor burning, but does not apply to recreational fires in approved fire pits at campgrounds or on private property. Gas and propane stoves and barbecues are also not affected by the ban.

However, to be allowed, recreational fires must:

• Be built into a metal or concrete fire pit, and cannot be used to dispose of debris.
• Be smaller than three feet in diameter.
• Be kept at least 10 feet away from vegetation and 25 feet away from buildings.
• Be attended at all times, and easy to safely extinguish with a bucket or garden house.

Fires are also not allowed at any time when the wind is blowing more than five miles an hour.

Anyone with an approved burn permit or whose property is under DNR jurisdiction can call 1-800-323-BURN for more information.

Wednesday the Department of Natural Resources issued a similar burn ban on all the lands they manage. A burn ban is also in effect for all of unincorporated King County.