Burn Permits
Effective January 1, 2023, only one large residential burn permit will be issued per address each calendar year. A second large residential burn permit may be requested, in writing, to the district, explaining the specific need. A site visit, completed by department personnel, will also be required.
If you would like to apply for a burn permit please CLICK HERE.
You may also apply for a burn permit by phone at 360-779-3997, or in person at Station 71, located at 911 NE Liberty Road. Our administrative hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Please note: If you live within the City of Poulsbo or the URBAN GROWTH AREA, you will not be issued a permit because burning in these areas is not allowed. However, small recreational fires (3’L x 3W’ x 2’H) in a designated fire pit that is situated 25′ away from any structures, which burn ONLY dry seasoned firewood or charcoal are allowed. Recreational fires do not require a burn permit.
If you need further assistance, email: [email protected]
When Do I need an Outdoor Burn Permit?
Recreational Outdoor Fires
- No permit required.
- Permissible county wide.
- Burn pile must be less than 3’L x 3’W x 2’H in a designated fire pit that is situated 25′ away from any structures.
- Burn ONLY dry seasoned firewood or charcoal.
Small Residential Outdoor Fires
- Permissible only outside “no burn” zones.
- Permit is required and valid through the last day of the calendar year.
- Burn pile must not be larger than 4’L x 4’W x 3’H.
- The burn pile must be 10 times the diameter of the pile from any structure.
- No fire will be ignited before sunrise, and no material will be added to the fire after sunset.
- The fire may NOT contain materials hauled from another property.
- Burn only natural vegetation such as leaves, clippings or prunings.
Large Residential Outdoor Fires
- Permissible only outside “no burn” zones.
- Permit is required and valid for 14 days.
- Burn pile must not be larger than 10′ L x 10’W x7’H.
- The burn pile must be 10 times the diameter of the pile (to a maximum of 50 feet) from any structure.
- No fire will be ignited before sunrise, and no material will be added to the fire after sunset.
- The fire may NOT contain materials hauled from another property.
- Burn only natural vegetation such as leaves, clippings or prunings.
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NO LAND CLEARING BURNS: Burning debris as a result of land clearing is not authorized by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Land clearing is defined as “the destruction or removal of trees by manual, mechanical, or chemical methods. This definition shall include grubbing.” This includes burning tree stumps and limbs associated with the removal of trees. Property owners have the option to chip or haul debris to an appropriate receiving facility.
RULES FOR ALL OUTDOOR FIRES
- A responsible person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times.
- A shovel and a garden hose connected to a water source and/or a bucket filled with at least 5 gallons of water must be on site.
- The pile must be situated at least 25′ from all combustibles.
- The person responsible for the fire must check current outdoor burning information before igniting the fire. An outdoor fire may not be ignited and must be extinguished if an air quality or fire danger burn ban is declared that applies to the type of burning being conducted.
- The fire must be extinguished immediately if: any emission from the fire is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any person, or if it causes damage to property or buisiness, or if it causes a nuisance.
- Permission from the landowner or owner’s designated representative must be obtained before igniting an outdoor fire.
- Only one pile at a time may be burned and each pile must be extinguished before another is ignited.
- The permit may be revoked at any time due to high winds or any other condition that constitutes a fire hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What may I burn?
Outdoor burning is strictly limited to yard and garden debris (natural vegetation only) that is generated on the property.
Burning of the following materials is prohibited:
- Processed wood products including finished lumber
- Paper products
- Plywood and particle board
- Construction or demolition debris
- Paints
- Asphalt and petroleum products
- Plastic products
- Tires and rubber products
- Stumps
- Garbage
- Dead animals
What are my alternatives to burning my yard waste?
Alternatives to Outdoor Burning:
- Composting
- Request curbside pick-up through your local waste management company
- Transport yard waste to a local transfer station
- Utilize a chipper to reduce larger branches and other woody debris into mulch for trees and woody plants
For additional information regarding yard waste recycling, please visit Kitsap County’s yard waste resource page.
Who creates the regulations for burning?
Outdoor burning regulations are administered by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and follow the 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.