Poulsbo Fire Department Logo Emergency Dial 9-1-1 PFD Patch

Poulsbo Fire Department
Prevention & Safety

Outdoor Burning

It is the policy of Kitsap County Fire District 18 to issue burning permits for the outdoor burning of natural vegetation for all fires, in a safe manner consistent with state law. It is also the policy of the Board of Commissioners of Kitsap County Fire District 18 that the best available burning practices be employed for land clearing burning within District 18. It is our desire to minimize air contaminant emissions, to prevent injury to human health, plant or animal life, or property, and to prevent unreasonable interference with enjoyment of life and property.

Only natural vegetation may be burned. It shall be unlawful for fires of any size to contain garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper or any other substance, which normally emits dense smoke or obnoxious odors.

Burn Ban Area
All outdoor burning is permanently banned within the city limits of Poulsbo and surrounding Urban Growth Area. This Burn ban took effect January 1, 2001 as implemented by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. For more information call 360-779-3997.

Prohibited Outdoor Fires
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow any outdoor fire:

  1. Without a written permit.
  2. During any stage of an air pollution episode or during any period of impaired air quality as designated by Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Authority of the Department of Ecology; or
  3. For the purpose of demolition, salvage, or reclamation of materials.
  4. During extreme fire danger due to dry weather conditions.
  5. In burning barrels. In the Uniform Fire Code presently adopted within Washington State, burning barrels are not allowed.
  6. Burning of dimensional lumber is not allowed.

Land Clearing Fires
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow any outdoor fire for land clearing burning without using the best available burning practices, which include, but are not limited to:

  1. Includes projects that clear the land so it can be developed or used for different purpose.
  2. Fire may contain only natural vegetation.
  3. Fire must be no closer than 100 feet from any structure.
  4. A firebreak 15 feet wide must be cut into inorganic soil around the material to be burned before lighting.
  5. At least one responsible person must remain with the fire until the fire is cold to the touch.
  6. At least one shovel must be available on site to extinguish flying fire brands.
  7. If stumps and trunks are to be burnt, they must be free of excess dirt and an excavator or equivalent machine must be on site until the fire is extinguished.
  8. At least one fan rated at 6,000 CFM must be on site to facilitate ignition and combustion.
  9. Burning cannot be ignited before 6:00 am and no materials can be added after 10:00 pm.
  10. All materials must originate on the property on which the burn is to occur.
  11. The number of piles that may be burned at any one time on the property is determined by the Fire Marshal.
  12. If the fire creates a nuisance from smoke or ash, the Fire Department may require that the fire be extinguished.

Residential Fires
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow any outdoor fire for residential purposes without using the best available burning practices, which include but are not limited to:

  1. Includes only burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard waste originating on the residential property.
  2. Fire must be no larger than four feet in diameter and no more than three feet high.
  3. Fire must be no closer than 50 feet from any structure.
  4. Burning cannot be ignited before 6:00 am and no materials added after 10:00 pm.
  5. A responsible person must be on site until the burn is extinguished and cold to the touch.
  6. Only one fire at a time is allowed on the property and each fire must be cold to the touch before another is ignited.
  7. A shovel, a connected water hose or five gallons of water must be on site.
  8. Fire must be extinguished if smoke or ash creates a nuisance.

Recreational Fires
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow any outdoor fire for recreational purposes without using the best available burning practices, which include but are not limited to:

  1. May occur only for recreation, pleasure or cooking.
  2. Fire must be no larger than three feet in diameter and no more than two feet high.
  3. The recreational fire can only burn charcoal or seasoned firewood.
  4. May occur only in designated areas and on private property.
  5. Fire must be extinguished if determined to be a nuisance.

 

Burning Permits
Kitsap County Fire District 18 requires a written burning permit on all outdoor fires. Residential permits may be obtained at Station 71 and Station 77. Land clearing permits are issued from Station 71 only. Appointments for inspections will be carried out on the availability of the inspector. All land clearing permits will require an inspection prior to approval. Regulations may vary depending on conditions.

Permit Length
Land clearing permits are available for up to two (2) weeks. Provisions can be made for extended periods upon receipt of a written site plan accepted by the district.
Residential permits are good for one year from the date of purchase.
Recreational permits are good for one year from the date of issue.

Permit Fees
Residential Permit Fee: $20.00
Recreational Permit Fee:  No charge
Land Clearing Permits: Minimum Fee: A graduating scale from $40.00 for up to 100 tons, to $4,100.00 for 10,000 tons. A more detailed price sheet is available under separate cover.

BURN PERMIT INFORMATION 360-779-3997
BURN MESSAGE 360-297-4888
KITSAP COUNTY BURN BAN
More information: http://www2.wadnr.gov/burn-risk/landing.asp?countyid=45

 

Prevention & Safety Index

Site Map/Text-only Links
Home Page

© 2005 Poulsbo Fire Department