With cooler and less-dry conditions in the forecast, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has announced that he’s lifting the burn bans in unincorporated King County.

The current Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans for the unincorporated areas – which have been in place since summer – will be removed at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 1.  

King County is lifting the bans in coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals. It also comes as the statewide burn ban officially ended today. 

“The recent cooler weather, increased humidity, and anticipated precipitation have allowed wildland fuels to recover moisture,” Urban said. “The local wildland fire danger has reduced to a level where it is safe to resume small recreational and yard debris fires.” 

Urban encourages all residents to know and follow their local requirements for outdoor burning and maintain a fire safe environment. People with questions should contact their local fire department or fire authority. 

Urban reminds the public about approved recreational burn requirements for unincorporated King County. All fires shall:

• Be kindled with seasoned and dry firewood. 

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not be used as debris disposal. 

• Grow no larger than three (3) feet in diameter. 

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

• Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire with a shovel and a 5-gallon bucket of water or with a connected and charged water hose. 

• Be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil in them and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch. 

• No burning when winds exceed 15 MPH.