Burn Permits, Residential Burning, and Recreational Fires
If you suspect an illegal burn, call 911 to dispatch the fire department.
Burn Ban in Effect 06/01/2026 until further notice
The annual burn ban for the Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One service area is now in effect as of 8:00 a.m. on June 1, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice.
As temperatures rise and vegetation continues to dry out, the risk of wildfire increases significantly throughout Pierce County. The burn ban is implemented each year to help reduce the risk of preventable fires and protect our communities, residents, and first responders.
What Is Not Allowed?
Yard debris burning
Use of previously issued burn permits (all permits are suspended during the burn ban)
What Is Still Allowed?
Recreational fires in approved fire pits when used safely and attended at all times
Gas, propane, charcoal, and wood-fueled barbecues
Fires in designated campground fire pits
Residents are encouraged to use alternatives such as composting or yard waste disposal services rather than burning yard debris.
The duration of the burn ban will depend on fire danger and weather conditions throughout the summer.
For additional information about burn restrictions and fire safety, please visit: Outdoor Burning | Pierce County, WA – Official Website
Outdoor Burning FAQs
To expand each section, click on the specific topic.
(Permit Required)
Residents who live outside of the non-attainment areas are allowed to burn their yard debris. If you aren't sure if you are in the non-attainment area, you can view the map or contact our department at 253-851-3111. Please be aware that burn permits are required, and residential yard debris burns are PROHIBITED between June 1st through September 30th each year.
Rules to Burning Yard Waste:
- It is the responsibility of the permittee to ensure there is no burn ban or burning restrictions in place prior to burning.
- Permittee must be in attendance at the fire at all times.
- Fires shall not be built under trees or utility lines.
- Only dry, natural vegetation may be burned (limbs, sticks, branches, vines, and small stumps).
- Leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste should be composted to keep smoke to a minimum.
- A garden hose connected to a water supply is required on-site for all residential fires. If a hose is unavailable, a shovel and 5 gallons of water must be available.
Residential fires must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Will not exceed 4 feet in diameter by 4 feet in height.
- The pile shall be 50 feet away from any structure and 10 feet from any property lines.
- A 3-foot firebreak must be maintained around the burn pile.
- The fire shall not be built under any trees or utility lines.
NOTICE: The fire department is required to report infractions to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000 or more per day. Please burn responsibly.
(No Permit Required)
Recreational fires are permitted everywhere in Gig Harbor. There is no permit required for this type of burn.
Recreational fires MUST adhere to the following guidelines:
- Shall be constantly attended by a person of knowledge in using fire extinguishing equipment.
- Limited to burning ONLY dry, seasoned wood or charcoal briquettes.
- Conducted in designated areas or on private property.
- A fire conducted on a beach or off a bulkhead must be constructed at least 25 feet from any combustible structures.
- Flammable liquids or accelerants cannot be used to start any recreational fire.
- Fire extinguishing equipment such as buckets, shovels, or garden hoses shall be readily available.
Size and Construction of Pile:
- Will not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
- Must be 25 feet away from any structure and 10 feet from any property lines, fences, or decks.
- Must be in a metal or cement-lined fire pit or purchased outdoor fireplace.
- The bottom of the pit may be of sand or mineral earth.
NOTICE: The fire department is required to report infractions to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000 or more per day. Please burn responsibly.
Annual no burn period for our jurisdiction: June 1st through September 30th. This is different than a burn ban. Burn bans can still be imposed at any time based on current conditions for air quality or safety reasons. This does not affect recreational fires.
If you suspect an illegal burn, call 911 to dispatch the fire department. This will allow us to investigate, educate, and/or send on to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for further action and code enforcement.
According to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, residential fire permits are not issued to residents within city limits, non-attainment areas, or urban growth boundaries. View map of affected areas. For information on what types of burning are allowed in your area (such as recreational fires) and the rules governing them, please see our FAQ section.
Residential Yard Debris Burning: Strictly limited to yard and garden debris (natural vegetation only) that is generated on the property. This requires a permit.
Recreational Fires: Limited to ONLY burning dry, seasoned wood or charcoal briquettes.
It is always illegal to use a burn barrel.
It is always illegal to burn prohibited materials, including:
- Garbage or refuse
- Cardboard and paper
- Building materials (including paint, vinyl flooring, roofing, and scrap lumber)
- Rubber products, including tires
- Plastics or petroleum products
- Material that produces smoke that is offensive or harmful to your neighbors.
It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor. The fire department may require your fire to be extinguished if the smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding properties or if the fire is determined to constitute a hazardous condition.
NOTICE: The fire department is required to report infractions to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a civil penalty of up to $16,000 or more per day. Please burn responsibly.
HAUL IT!
Rake up your excess material and haul it to your nearest Recycling/Transfer station. Also, check with your local waste disposal company for curbside yard waste recycling availability.
COMPOST IT!
Composting yard and garden waste protect the air, land, and water resources while providing a rich garden fertilizer.
CHIP IT!
Some residents are choosing to chip their debris. Chippers may be rented, or a chipping service hired to take care of your material. Wood chips make excellent mulch around trees and shrubs and can also be used to soften garden paths.
MULCH IT!
By mulching, we can easily put nature’s recycling system to work in our own backyard. Spread yard and garden debris around shrubs, trees, and other plantings. Mulching keeps the soil loose and moist, smothers weeds, prevents soil loss, and releases nutrients as it decomposes.
No. Land-clearing burns are prohibited in our jurisdiction, and you cannot obtain a permit for one. With a valid yard debris burn permit, the largest fire you may have is 4 feet by 4 feet and limited to one pile on the property at a time. See the above FAQ on burning excess yard waste.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency administers outdoor burning regulations and follows the Washington State Clean Air Act (Chapter 173-425 WAC). The fire district does not set these regulations but must enforce them. Our responsibility begins with a permitting process for all outdoor burning.
