Outdoor Burning

 

Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office Implements Complete Burn Ban in Effect Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Skagit County, Wash. - August 12, 2026 — Due to the continued risk of fire and the commitment of shared firefighting resources to ongoing wildland fire response efforts across Washington State, the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a complete burn ban effective Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor open burning in unincorporated Skagit County. The only exception is agricultural burning, which may continue only when conducted in accordance with applicable state and local regulations and any required permits.

Propane fire tables and other gas-fueled cooking appliances are permitted during this ban. Self-contained wood pellet grills and cooking devices are allowed only when placed on a concrete or other non-combustible surface. Charcoal grills are permitted. Charcoal and ash must be disposed of in a metal container and thoroughly soaked with water. The container should be kept at least ten feet from vegetation or combustible materials for 72 hours.

If you are within the limits of an incorporated city or town, check with your fire department for current burning restrictions.

If you have questions about open burning in Skagit County, please contact the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 416-1840.

Campfire and Fire Pit Safety Tips

Avoid Unnecessary Burning

So before starting an outdoor burn of any type, please consider the potential impacts on
your neighbors and on local emergency responders, and postpone or cancel your burn if
possible.

Also, avoid causing excessive smoke from wood-burning stoves used for home heating. The
Northwest Clean Air Agency has received a number of complaints about heavy woodstove
smoke.

• Information on alternatives to outdoor burning
• Information on proper use of woodstoves
• Report an illegal burn or excessive smoke, or call 360-428-1617
  .
  More information
• Local air quality information: Northwest Clean Air Agency.
  
• Statewide air quality monitoring: Washington Department of Ecology
  
  

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Illegal Burning
Only natural vegetation (leaves, grass and tree trimmings) may be burned. It is never legal to burn any of thefollowing:

• garbage
• household trash
  
• lumber
  
• building construction waste
  
• demolition debris

Permitted Burning
When a burn ban is not in effect, in unincorporated Skagit County (outside of urban growth areas), you may burn a pile four feet by four feet (or smaller) of natural vegetation without a permit. A burn permit from the Skagit County FireMarshal is required if you plan to burn a larger pile. Applicants can leave a message for the Deputy Fire Marshal at (360) 416-1840. The Fire Marshal will visit the site and issue a burn permit to eligible locations in the order they are received. A nominal fee consistent with the fee schedule is required.

Recycle Instead of Burning
Drop off your recyclables at any of the three Skagit County transfer stations, or visit www.skagitcounty.net/recycle for more information about other ways to recycle your waste.

Compost Your Yard Waste
An eco-friendly alternative to burning your yard waste is to drop it off for composting at these locations:

North Hill Resources
651 North Hill Boulevard
Burlington, WA 98233
360-757-1866

Skagit Soils Inc,
13260 Ball Road
Mount Vernon
360-424-0199

Sunland Bark & Topsoils
12469 Reservation Road
Anacortes
360-293-7188

Skagit Aggregates (Big Rock)
14107 State Route 9
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-826-3077

Recycle Your Construction Debris
Many types of construction waste (wood, concrete, drywall, asphalt, roofing, metals), can be recycled at these locations. Check each facility for the types of debris it accepts.

Lautenbach Industries / T&T Industries/Lauts Inc
13084 Ball Road
Mount Vernon
360-757-4000

North Hill Resources
651 North Hill Boulevard
Burlington, WA 98233
360-757-1866

Skagit Aggregates (Big Rock)
14107 State Route 9
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-826-3077