Outdoor Burning

Recreational Fires Allowed

The only outdoor burning allowed in the city limits and urban growth areas are recreational fires.

• Recreational fires are used for outdoor cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes.
• Only propane, charcoal, dry firewood, or manufactured fire logs may be burned.
• Fires are allowed in approved fire pits, fire bowls, and BBQs. They must be made of non-combustible material. Burn barrels are not legal.
• Fires cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high.
• A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be readily available to extinguish the fire.
• A shovel or rake must also be readily available.
• Fires must be at least 10 feet away from any structure.
• One person age 16 or older, who is capable of putting the fire out, must be in attendance at all times.
• The fire must be contained within a firebreak (bare ground).

Permanent Burn Ban Areas

On January 1, 2001, Washington state law permanently banned both residential and land-clearing burning in the following Skagit County cities and their urban growth areas (UGAs):

• Anacortes
• Burlington
• Mount Vernon
• Sedro-Woolley

If you have questions about air quality issues relating to outdoor burning, or would like information about the adopted WAC law please contact the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617. Download a map (PDF) to see if you are in the UGA.