King County, with the support of the King County Fire Chiefs Association, is issuing a fire safety burn ban in unincorporated areas of the county effective July 15 due to the recent dry conditions and no rainfall forecast in the near future.

This is a Phase 1 burn ban and applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission. Recreational fires must:

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit;

• Not used as debris disposal;

• Grow no larger than three feet in diameter;

• Be located in a clear spot free from vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, at least 25 feet away from any structure and with a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches; and

• Be attended at all times by an alert individual with equipment capable of extinguishing the fire.

For properties located within cities, please contact your local jurisdiction for requirements. This ban remains in effect until further notice.

The King County Fire Marshal reminds everyone that it is each individual’s responsibility to help prevent fires that destroy lives, property, and our wildland. For more information, visit the King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review Fire Marshal’s website.