Outdoor burning is prohibited at all times in all areas of the South County Fire service area in southwest Snohomish County.

This includes land-clearing fires, burning trash or yard debris, and using a burn barrel.

Small recreational fires are allowed within safety guidelines. Recreational fires are for cooking, ceremony or pleasure purposes only.

Any recreational fire must be:

• At least 25 feet away from any structure or combustible material
• In a fire pit or appliance manufactured for that purpose
• Limited to three feet in diameter and two feet in height
• Burning only dry clean fire wood or charcoal. Building scraps, trash and green wood are prohibited
• Monitored at all times

A water source must be readily available - at minimum a charged water hose or a five gallon bucket.

You cannot smoke out your neighbors - if a neighbor complains, you will be required to put out the fire.

Printable Outdoor Burning Guidelines (PDF)

South County Fire responds to fire emergencies that threaten life or property. 

If a fire is threatening to harm people or a building, call 911 for emergency response.

If there is no threat to life or property, please call the Snohomish County non-emergency number at 425-407-3999.

When calling the non-emergency line, expect to be placed in a queue until a 911dispatcher is available to answer your call. Dispatchers handle both 911 and non-emergency calls.

Indoor and outdoor burn bans are called by other agencies:

Air Quality Burn Bans - are called by the Puget Sound Clean Air agency to restrict indoor burning, usually during cold winter months

Fire Safety Burn Bans - limiting outdoor burning may be required by the County Fire Marshal, typically in summer months.

Red Flag Warning -  issued by the National Weather Service means high danger of fire and rapid spread. All outdoor burning is prohibited, even recreational fires. 

During fire safety burn bans, check requirements on the Snohomish County Burning Information Line, 425-388-3508.