Burn Ban Information

Outdoor Burning Types

Recreational Fires

A recreational fire meets all of the following:

• The fire is not contained in an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit. Think “campfire style” fire. If the fire is contained, see portable fire devices with open flame below.
• The fire’s total fuel area is three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.
• The fire is for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.
• The fire is not on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or school grounds.

Note that fires in Parks Tacoma are only allowed where specifically authorized, appropriate burning receptacles are provided, and only propane or charcoal briquettes are used as fuel. All other fuel sources, including wood, are expressly prohibited.

Recreational Fire Safety 

• Only clean natural firewood, charcoal, or manufactured fire logs are permissible fuels.
• A fire extinguisher with a rating of 4-A or greater or a charged hose with a nozzle attached must be readily available.
• A 25-foot distance from any structure is required.
• If the wind creates a hazard of fire spread, the fire shall be extinguished.
• Vegetation or other combustible material creating a path for fire spread shall be removed before starting the fire.
• An adult shall always attend to the fire.

Barbecues

Generally speaking, propane and natural gas barbecues can be used even when there is a burn ban, but not barbecues that use charcoal, wood, or any other solid fuel.

Portable Fire Devices with Open Flames 

Non-combustible device such as a fire pit, fire bowl, or chiminea that contains the fire.

Portable Fire Devices and Open Flame Safety

• Only clean natural firewood, charcoal, manufactured fire logs, or LPG are permissible fuels.
• A fire extinguisher with a rating of 4-A or greater or a charged hose with a nozzle attached must be readily available.
• A 15-foot distance from any structure is required.
• An adult shall always attend to the fire.

Fuel Restrictions for Recreational Fires and Portable Fire Devices 

• Burning yard waste is illegal.
• Burning garbage is illegal.
• Burning cardboard or paper is illegal except to start a fire.
• Burning building materials (i.e., scrap wood, paint, vinyl flooring, roofing, carpet, etc.) is illegal.
• Burning dead animals is illegal.
• Burning plastic, rubber, trash, or other prohibited fuel may constitute an unauthorized release of hazardous material into the atmosphere.