Recreational fires up to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high or smaller don’t need a permit under the following conditions.
- Your fires use only charcoal or firewood and they are for cooking or pleasure.
- The fire is in an enclosure 3 feet across or less and a minimum of 16 inches high. It must be made of cement block, stones or #10 gauge steel.
- A charged hose or 2 five-gallon buckets of water must be near.
- A shovel or rake must be nearby.
- The fire must be 25 feet from trees, structures or power lines.
- Someone 16 years or older who is capable of putting out the fire must be in attendance at all times.
- It must be contained within a firebreak of bare ground at least equaling the size of the fire.
Yard waste fires up to than 4 feet across and 4 feet high require a free verbal permit. To hear the requirements call 360-240-5526. Fires 4–10 feet across require a permit from the Public Health Dept. in Coupeville. Information is at www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/EH/Burning. Remember to be considerate of your neighbors and burn only dry wood or brush.
Island County will declare a burn ban when conditions are dry. This typically lasts from July through September or October.
Burning garbage has been illegal in Island County since 1967! It is only legal to burn natural vegetation or firewood. Any fire that is not recreational (3 ft across) requires a permit. Call 360-240-5526 or go to www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/EH/Burning for more information. Island County will declare a burn ban when conditions are dry. This typically lasts from July through Sept or Oct.