How Washington's Burn Permit System Works
Washington's burn permit system is one of the strictest in the nation, driven by the state's combination of high-value timber resources, sensitive air quality in the Puget Sound region, and increasingly severe fire seasons. The western side (west of the Cascades) faces air quality restrictions from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency; the eastern side faces extreme fire danger and near-total summer restrictions. Burning during a prohibition period in Washington is specifically classified as a Gross Misdemeanor — a significantly higher charge than the simple misdemeanor most states use.
Getting a Washington Burn Permit
- Agency: Washington DNR
- Phone: (360) 902-1300
- Portal: https://www.dnr.wa.gov
- Cost: Free
- Valid: Seasonal
Seasonal Notes & Burn Bans
Eastern Washington: near-total restrictions July–October. Western Washington: Puget Sound air agency issues Spare the Air days restricting wood burning. Spring (March–May) is the main burning window statewide.
What You Can Burn in Washington
Natural vegetation, slash, agricultural residue. No prohibited materials. Washington has specific restrictions on yard waste burning in the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Authority jurisdiction.
- Leaves and yard trimmings
- Natural brush and branches
- Downed trees (untreated wood)
- Agricultural crop residue
Never legal to burn anywhere in Washington: Household garbage, treated/painted wood, tires, plastics, construction debris, or hazardous materials.
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
A burn prohibition is a formal order from DNR or the Governor that bans all open burning in an area. Violations are Gross Misdemeanors with fines up to $5,000 and potential jail time up to 364 days. Prohibitions are common in eastern Washington July–October.
Yes, in Forest Protection Areas — which covers most of western Washington outside incorporated cities. You also need to comply with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency air quality rules. Many municipalities in the Seattle/Tacoma metro area prohibit all outdoor burning.
A burn ban is a county or district restriction typically issued during high fire danger. A burn prohibition is a stronger, state-level order that carries Gross Misdemeanor penalties. Prohibitions are issued by the State Forester or Governor.