Outdoor Burning

Recreational Fire Picture

CURRENT BURN BAN STATUS

Yellow Flame
RESTRICTIVE BURNING ALLOWED



OPEN
RESTRICTIVE
BURN BAN
Green FlameYellow FlameRed Flame
THE CITY OF ABERDEEN DOES NOT ALLOW OPEN BURNING

Refer to burning regulations for allowed burning
ONLY RECREATIONAL FIRES ALLOWED

Must follow established Burning Regulations

NO BURNING OF YARD DEBRIS

Fire Danger is 
EXTREMELY HIGH

NO OPEN BURNING OF ANY KIND

TOTAL FIRE BAN DECLARED


CITY OF ABERDEEN Outdoor Buring Regulations

The Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority enacted rules and regulations concerning outdoor burning in 2011.  Citizens of Aberdeen are no longer permitted to burn as they have in the past.  Only “Recreational fires” are allowed.

“Recreational fire” means cooking fires and campfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes.  Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires.   (WAC 173-425-030)

To assist the citizens of Aberdeen in this recreational pursuit the following guidelines shall apply to “Recreational fires”.

  1. Recreational fires may be on open ground, in fire pits or containers constructed of concrete containing pumice, masonry, ceramic, or steel materials.   Steel Burn Barrels are not allowed.
  2. In addition to these guidelines commercially manufactured fire containers must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and safety requirements.
  3. All non-commercial or home built fire containers must be installed and used following the requirements of this guideline.
  4. The fuel area of the fire shall be no larger than 36 inches in diameter and 24 inches in height. (No Bon-Fires are allowed)
  5. Fire areas must be located at least 25 feet from wooden fences, decks, structures or other combustible materials.
  6. Fires must be attended at all times.  Fires must be extinguished when burning is complete or a responsible person is no longer in attendance.  A fire extinguisher or garden hose must be available for extinguishment of the fire.
  7. Only dry firewood, charcoal or commercially produced artificial logs (“presto-logs” etc.) may be burned. – No garbage, yard waste or other debris.  
  8. Burn responsibly.  If smoke, odor or ash, which goes beyond your property, negatively impacts a neighbor or causes a nuisance, the fire must be extinguished.
  9. No fires are allowed during a time of extreme fire danger, as determined by the Aberdeen Fire Department and/or the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority.   Most news agencies announce when a total burn ban is issued. 

Open Flames

Open Flames can be in the form of actual fire or a device that produces a flame, no matter the size of that flame.

  1. Open flames shall not be utilized in a place where there are combustible materials are utilized or stored.
  2. Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters, and gas-fired heaters shall not be located on or near combustible materials (recommended minimum 3 feet).

Other jurisdictions

These burning restrictions apply only to the City of Aberdeen. For information pertaining to other jurisdictions please contact the appropriate agency: 

  • Grays Harbor County Fire Districts/County Fire Marshal: 360-249-4222
  • Washington State Parks/State Beaches: 360-902-8844
  • Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest: 360-565-3121
  • Washington State Department of Natural Resources: 1-800-323-BURN (8676)
  • City of Cosmopolis Fire Department: 360-532-6429
  • City of Elma: 360-482-2212
  • City of Hoquiam Fire Department: 360-538-3960
  • City of McCleary: 360-495-3667
  • City of Montesano Fire Department: 360-249-4851
  • City of Ocean Shores Fire Department: 360-289-3611
  • City of Westport: 360-268-0131
  • Quinault Nation Fire Management: 360-276-8211