BURN BANS | CAMPFIRE SAFETY | BEACH FIRES | FIREWORKS
Burn Bans & Outdoor Burning
Due to the increase in fuel moisture levels and a return to more typical seasonal weather patterns, the Fire Marshal has lifted the ban on outdoor burning in Island County as of 8 a.m. September 20, 2024. The Island County Sheriff serves as the Fire Marshal and decides when to start and end burn bans.
Island County Environmental Health regulates outdoor burning on Camano Island. Contact them at 360-678-8261.
- Burn ban questions: Contact the Sheriff’s Office
- Questions about outdoor burning: Island County Environmental Health
- Yard debris and land-clearing burning: Requires a permit from Island County
During a Type 1/Level 1 burn ban: Recreational fires using ONLY charcoal or seasonal firewood are allowed in approved firepits. Approved firepits are solid enclosures at least 16 inches high, and no wider than 3 feet.
Barbecues, outdoor grilling and propane-fueled firepits are allowed during a Type 1/Level 1 burn ban. Always keep a garden hose or 5-gallon bucket of water nearby.
Burning of natural debris and/or brush piles is not allowed during a Type 1/Level 1 burn ban.
During a Type 2/Level 2 burn ban: No outdoor burning is allowed. No recreational fires and no propane-fueled firepits.
Barbecue grills and self-contained cook stoves are allowed with close supervision.
Why do burn bans last for so long?
There are several reasons. Burn bans are issued when relative humidity is low; when trees, grasses or other combustibles are very dry; when the weather is hot and/or dry for an extended period of time; and when local resources are assigned to regional wildfires or other emergencies.
Burn bans typically end after humidity rises, after vegetation absorbs moisture and becomes less dry, after measurable rain accumulates, and as resources are no longer deployed to other emergencies.
Campfire safety
Recreational campfires 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high or smaller do not need a permit on Camano Island. Recreational campfires are allowed unless a Type 2 burn ban is in effect. Campfires must meet all the conditions below for safety:
- Campfires or recreational fires can consist only of charcoal or firewood, and are for cooking or enjoyment.
- The fire must be contained 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.
- If there is no enclosure, the fire must be contained within a firebreak (bare ground) and must equal the size of the fire.
- 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 standing timber, structures, or power lines.
- Tree branches must be cleared to the height of 15 feet above the enclosure.
- One person age 16 or older who is capable of putting the fire out must be in attendance at all times.
- You must get the landowner’s permission if the fire is not on your property.
- You must completely extinguish the fire when you are done.
Find more campfire safety information online: https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety
Beach fires
In general, beach fires are allowed in Island County – without a permit – on privately owned property.
Beach fires are NOT allowed if a Type 2 burn ban is in effect.
- Beach fires must not exceed 3 feet in diameter.
- Best practice is to contain the fire within a deliberate fire pit constructed of stone, concrete or metal, that is a minimum of 16 inches tall, and well away from tall grass or other combustibles.
- Fuel must be either charcoal, firewood, or pressure regulated wood. (No treated, painted, or processed lumber)
- Must remain 25 feet away from any structure or other combustible materials.
- No burning is allowed within large driftwood piles (no timber-size logs)
- Outdoor burning must cease when wind conditions exceed 7 MPH.
- Either two five gallon water buckets – or a charged garden hose OR a minimum 4A (10 lb)-rated fire extinguisher MUST be on site.
- You must have the land owner’s written permission for the beach fire.
- Fires must be attended at all times. Minimum age for the responsible party is 16 years old.
- Portable transportable outdoor metal fireplace devices must remain 15 feet away from any structure or other combustible materials.
- Fires that exceed a 3-foot diameter, or are for ceremonial or religious purposes, may require a permit from Island County Public Health.
- Fires must be fully extinguished, wet, and cold to the touch before you leave the beach.
NOTE: Local community associations may impose their own restrictions on beach fires by means of community covenants. Beach fires are NOT permitted on Island County-owned beaches or at county-owned boat launches. State Park beaches may have additional guidelines restricting burning.
Please do your research, and make sure you understand these safety guidelines before burning on the beach:
Fireworks
The Island County Board of Commissioners is the only government organization that can approve or restrict firework use in Island County.
The Island County Sheriff’s Office enforces firework violations in Island County.
Find more information about fireworks on the Island County website