Burn Permits will not be issued from June 7th through October 14th.
Burn Permits, Residential Burning, and Recreational Fires
The Pierce County Fire Marshal and Pierce County Fire Chiefs Stage 2 Burn Ban will be lifted on Friday, September 22, 2023, at noon. This change is due to conditions improving, including cooler temperatures and some precipitation.
Please be aware that the fire safety burn ban that was put in effect on June 7, 2023, is still in effect until further notice.
This burn ban applies to all land clearing and yard debris outdoor burning. This ban does not apply to small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission. The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbecues is allowed under the ban.
Recreational fires must:
- Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not used as debris disposal.
- Grow no larger than three feet in diameter.
- Be in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
- Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire like hand tools and a garden hose attached to a water faucet that is on, or not less than two five-gallon buckets of water.
- No burning when winds exceed 5 mph.
Conditions are still very dry. The Pierce County Fire Marshal encourages people to use caution and have a water hose nearby.
Burn Complaints:
If you suspect an illegal burn, call 9-1-1 to dispatch the fire department and let us investigate, educate and/or send on to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for further action and code enforcement.
Allowable Burn Periods:
Residential Yard Debris Burning will be allowed from January 1 through June 15 and October 15 through December 31. This is different than a burn ban. Burn bans can still be imposed based on current conditions for air quality or safety reasons. This does not affect recreational fires. More information can be found by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
During daylight hours, there is no burn ban or burning restrictions in place. Complete the form below to request a burn permit. You can call our office at 253-851-3111 to see if there is a burn ban currently in effect.
Please be aware that residential yard debris burns are not allowed between June 16 thru October 14.
- 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.
Yes, recreational fires are permitted everywhere in Gig Harbor. There is no permit required for this type of burn.
- 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.
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 below or contact our department at 253-851-3111. Please be aware that burn permits are required, and residential yard debris burns are not allowed between June 16 thru October 14.
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.
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.
Land-clearing burns are no longer allowed, and you cannot obtain a permit for them. The largest fire you may have is one 4’x4′ on the property at a time. See the above FAQ on burning excess yard waste.
Outdoor burning regulations are administered by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and follow 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.
A Burn Permit is required for burning any yard debris. To obtain a permit, fill out the following form or call (253) 851-3111. There is no fee for burn permits and they are valid from the date of issue and expire on December 31 of each year. Please note: Burn permits will not be issued between June 16 and October 14.
NOTE: A residential yard debris burning permit cannot be issued if your address is located within the red-shaded area of the map below. Please see the FAQ information above for what type of burning is allowed in your area (recreational fires) and the rules that govern this type of fire.
