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Outdoor Burning

 

Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office Modified Burn Ban in Effect Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Due to increased moisture levels, recreational fires are now permitted within the unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Pursuant to the Governor’s Proclamation, the statewide ban on burning residential yard debris and land clearing remains in effect until September 30, 2026.

Recreational fires are those used for cooking and pleasure, consist only of charcoal or seasoned firewood, and meet the following requirements:  

  • Fires are allowed only within enclosures AT LEAST 14 inches high, no wider than 3 feet, and constructed of cement blocks, stones, or #10-gauge steel.
  • Burning materials must be kept BELOW the enclosure's top.
  • ALWAYS have a charged garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets of water available.
  • Portable outdoor fire pits shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or of combustible materials.
  • Recreational fires MUST BE 25 feet away from combustibles, standing timber, or overhanging tree branches.
  • Someone 16 years old or older must ALWAYS be present to monitor and/or extinguish any fire.
  • Always check for any additional burning restrictions before starting an outdoor fire.

Burn restrictions remain in effect across all Washington State Department of Natural Resources lands. No fires are permitted on DNR-managed recreational sites in Skagit County.

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

fire
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.

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

 


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