Skagit County burn ban modified to allow recreational fires.

September 1, 2026
 

Contact: Bonnie LaCount, Deputy Fire Marshal, bonniel@co.skagit.wa.us, 360-416-1842

Skagit County burn ban modified to allow recreational fires.

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 live in an incorporated city or town, check with your fire department about the latest burn restrictions.

If you have questions about open burning in Skagit County, please contact the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 416-1840 or visit our Outdoor Burning website at http://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/FireMarshal/burning.htm.