Land Clearing Burning to be Illegal, July 1, 2008

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (P.S.C.A.A.) has ruled that outdoor land clearing burning will be prohibited as of July 1, 2008, in Pierce County. This means that Graham Fire & Rescue will no longer issue burn permits for this type of burning within our jurisdiction as of July 1.

Land clearing burning is done when clearing property of trees and natural vegetation that is indigenous to the site for purposes of building a structure, house or even a development. The PSCAA has determined that “sufficient alternative methods” are now in place in our area to permit disposal of vegetation and trees by other means such as chipping or transport to solid waste disposal facilities.

Starting July 1st, land clearing burning will become illegal. This means that if the fire department responds to these type fires, the property owner is considered responsible and will be subject to citation that may cost them up to $14,000 per day, per event by the PSCAA.

If you want to learn more about these new regulations and about the alternative disposal methods, click here. Additional information for contractors who are trying to figure out what they are responsible for and how to comply with the new rules click here.

Residential outdoor burning will remain legal for the foreseeable future. (Only in the designated burn areas of Graham) This type of burning is done by residents who have sufficient clear property to burn legally. Residential burn permits are issued, at no charge, by the fire department. Residents can burn natural vegetation that comes from their property such as branches, leaves, clippings, etc. The burn pile may not be any larger than 4 feet in diameter, and the burn pile must have 30 feet of clearance from all other combustibles including structures, fences, decks, etc. You must also directly attend the fire while flames are visible. Anyone who violates these rules is subject to fines from the PSCAA.

County-Wide Burn Ban - OFF 

Stage One Burn Ban Cancelled for Pierce County

January 26, 2008 – The Stage One Burn Ban issued on January 23 for Pierce County is cancelled, effective at 12:00 p.m. January 26.

Fuel Moisture Graphs (pdf)

Burn Ban State Regulations (pdf)

Your fire department, following the state regulations, may be able to issue you a burn permit for outdoor burning in some areas. Other areas have PERMANENT outdoor burn bans imposed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. 

When the burn ban is off, outdoor burning can be allowed only below the red line.