Burn Ban for Key Peninsula to Begin June 1 From Now On

A Stage 1 burn ban will start in unincorporated Pierce County June 1 at 8 a.m. until further notice. The ban only applies only to land clearing and burning of yard debris in unincorporated Pierce County. Barbecues (gas, wood, and charcoal) and small recreational fires in established fire pits on private property and approved campgrounds are allowed, although local homeowner associations may impose stricter restrictions.   

The burn ban began earlier than usual on June 1 last year, as well, but will now begin annually on June 1, with the end date determined by weather conditions.  

“We’re giving the community more than a month’s notice, so people have time to burn yard debris or complete land clearing before the ban begins,” said Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice in a press release.  

Alternatives to burning yard debris include composting or taking debris to a transfer station. 

“I’d like to remind people we are preparing for a dry and hot summer, so anything they can do to prevent wildfires is appreciated,” said Public Information Officer Anne Nesbit of the Key Peninsula Fire District. “Barbecues will still be OK, but you may not burn garbage or stumps, and anything bigger than a 4-by-4-by-6 requires a permit. Burn barrels are also illegal, as is burning garbage.” 

The ban does not apply to legal fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County during the allowed discharge times between 10 a.m. and midnight July 4. 

Recreational fires are allowed but must meet the following safety requirements: 

• Use a proper fire pit no larger than three feet in diameter. 

• Fires must be in a clear area free of vegetation for at least 10 feet in all directions, at least 25 feet away from structures, and with a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches. 

• Fires must always be attended by an alert individual with fire-extinguishing tools on hand, such as a garden hose connected to a water source, hand tools, or at least two five-gallon buckets of water. 

• Wind conditions: Burning is prohibited when winds exceed 5 mph. 

Please see the Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau’s website for additional information at PierceCountyWa.gov/FPB.