Outdoor Burning Information

LEARN BEFORE YOU BURN

ALWAYS CALL 1-800-323-BURN BEFORE YOU BURN FOR CURRENT BURN BAN INFORMATION

Burn Barrel Use Prohibited. The use of a burn barrel was banned in the State of Washington effective April 13, 2000. Burning garbage has been illegal in the State of Washington since 1967.

Unincorporated Lewis County (Outside City Limits and Urban Growth Areas)
All burn piles, land clearing and residential, in unincorporated Lewis County require a free permit from Lewis County Community Development. Pile size varies with seasonal restrictions as outlined in the Lewis County Open Burn Permit. Call Lewis County Community Development at 360-740-1133 for more information or visit the Lewis County website to download a free permit.

Recreational Burning
Recreational fires under 3x3x2 feet are still allowed in all of Lewis County without a permit. Only charcoal or seasoned firewood (no lumber) may be used as fuel for a recreational fire. Recreational fires must be used solely for recreational purposes and may not be used for disposal of yard debris or any other material. Recreational fires may not cause a smoke or odor nuisance to surrounding properties and are subject to burn bans. Always obtain the landowner's permission before lighting any fire. No burning is allowed on state land except in designated campgrounds. For piles in excess of 3x3x2 feet, contact Lewis County Community Development at (360) 740-1146 or visit the Lewis County website to obtain a free permit. Always call (360) 740-1133 before you burn for a recorded message on current burn restrictions.

Residential Burning
A permit is required for fires between 4 and 10 feet. Burning is only allowed during daylight hours in non-urban areas of Lewis County. Call Lewis County Community Development at 360-740-1133 for more information or visit the Lewis County website to obtain a free permit. Always call (360) 740-1133 before you burn for a recorded message on current burn restrictions.

Land Clearing Burning
A permit is required to burn land clearing debris piles 10 feet or larger. Pile sizes varies with seasonal restrictions as outlined in the Lewis County Open Burn Permit. The pile should be 50 feet away from any structure, standing timber or power lines. At least one person age 16 or older who is capable of putting the fire out and has a method to contact 9-1-1 must be in attendance at all times. Keep sufficient tools and water available. Your permit will tell you exactly which tools, water and personnel need to be on site. Call Lewis County Community Development at 360-740-1133 for more information or visit the Lewis County website to obtain a free permit. Always call (360) 740-1133 before you burn for a recorded message on current burn restrictions.

Silvicultural Burning and Burning on Unimproved Property
Silvicultural burning or burning on unimproved land burn piles may be less than 10 by 10 feet October 16 through June 30 under Department of Natural Resources rule burning regulations. July 1 through October 15, piles must be less than 4 by 4 feet. For all Silvicultural / forest practice burning call the Pacific Cascades Region of the Department of Natural Resources at 360-577-2025. There is no permit required if the burn meets the following criteria:

A permit is required when any one of the conditions listed cannot be met. The permit fee is based on estimated fuel. You may visit the Department of Natural Resources website for a complete fee schedule. Allow up to one week for the permit. Always call (360) 740-1133 before you burn for a recorded message on current burn restrictions.