Stage 1 Burn Ban In Place For King County's Unincorporated Areas

KING COUNTY, WA — With a potentially historic heat wave bearing down on Puget Sound, unincorporated King County will be under a Stage 1 burn ban until further notice, according to the fire marshal. The ban applies to all outdoor burning, except for barbecues, small fire pits and campfires and approved campgrounds.

King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts said the ban is a necessary safety measure as the extreme heat adds to a long stretch with no rain.

"Extreme heat and especially dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfire dramatically," Ricketts said. "People in both rural and urban unincorporated areas need to use caution."

Ricketts said residents living within city limits should check with their local fire jurisdiction, but cautioned that even small recreational fires still carry an enhanced risk.

Such fires must:

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds, and not be used as debris disposal
• Be no larger than three feet in diameter
• Be located in a clear spot, free from any vegetation for at least ten feet in a horizontal direction and at least 25 feet away from any structure, and allow 20 feet of vertical clearance from overhanging branches
• Be attended at all times by an alert individual with equipment capable of extinguishing the fire

Related: WA Fire Season Outlook: Warm, Dry Summer Spells Trouble