Welcome to Skagit County

August 2nd, 2005 Updated 8/9/05

OUTDOOR BURNING RESTRICTION – UPDATED 08/09/2005

Due to high fire danger and expected hot and dry weather conditions, outdoor burning restrictions for the unincorporated areas of Skagit County went into effect Thursday, August 4, 2005, at 6:00 AM. This burn restriction will be in effect until further notice. If you are within the city limits of any of the incorporated cities or towns, check with your city fire department for current burning restrictions.

During the burn restriction no burning is allowed with the exception of small campfires and cooking fires. Requirements for allowable camp and cooking fires are as follows:

The fire is in an enclosure no larger than 3 feet across. The enclosure must be a minimum of 16 inches high and made of cement block, stones or #10 gauge steel.
Materials being burned must be kept lower than the sidewalls of the enclosure.
A charged garden hose or 2 five-gallon buckets of water must be on site.
A shovel or rake must be on site.
The fire must be 25 feet from any structure or standing timber.
Tree branches must be cleared to a height of 15 feet above the enclosure.
Commercially available metal self contained outdoor fireplaces may be used. However, the same set backs and precautions need to be taken as with a fire pit. Never use a portable outdoor fireplace on a porch or deck.
One person, aged 16 or older, who is capable of putting the fire out must be in attendance at all times. Fires must be completely out before being left unattended.
The fire must be contained within a firebreak (bare ground).
The landowner’s permission must be obtained if not on your personal property.

These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. If dry conditions continue, campfires and cooking fires may also be banned. In addition, if the public does not follow the above guidelines and enforcement issues arise, campfires and cooking fires may be banned.

All outdoor burning permits for the unincorporated areas of Skagit County are suspended at this time. It is never legal to burn trash or garbage.

You may obtain updated County burn restriction information by calling the Skagit County Fire Warden at (360) 428-3293.