Pierce County Announces Burn Ban To Begin Friday

TACOMA, WA — The Pierce County Fire Marshal has announced a county-wide burn ban which will go into effect later this week.

The ban begins at 8 a.m. Friday. It prohibits land clearing and yard debris outdoor burning. Gas and propane stoves and barbecues are still permitted, but recreational fires must:

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit.
• Grow no larger than three feet in diameter.
• Be kept in a clear spot, at least 10 feet from nearby vegetation, 25 from any buildings, and with a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
• Be attended at all times.

Burners must also have something on hand to put the fire out, like buckets of water or a garden hose. All fires are restricted if the wind picks up to more than 5 mph.

The ban is only for residents of unincorporated Pierce County. Individual cities and towns may choose to set their own bans. The ban also does not apply to setting off legal fireworks during the regularly-scheduled Independence Day discharge season.

The ban was set in anticipation of an extremely hot weekend, which forecasters predict could have temperatures breaking into the triple digits.