Fire pits are legal in Everett but you have to follow the rules.
1. Can I have an outdoor fire on my property? Normally yes, but there are conditions:
The City of Everett is a permanent no-burn area. However, small recreational fires are allowed under 3’x3’x2′, using charcoal or seasoned firewood (not dimensional lumber), without a permit. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless in an approved appliance with a clearly visible manufacturer’s listing and installed per manufacturer’s listing. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
No burn barrels! Burn barrel use was banned in the State of Washington in 2000, and burning garbage has been illegal since 1967.
During hot dry summer months occasionally the water content of the vegetation will become so low that Snohomish County will require a temporary burn ban. This means that even recreational fires are prohibited.
Occasionally, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will require a temporary burn ban due to air quality problems. To report an outdoor fire during these burn bans call 1-800-552-3565 or file an online complaint.
City of Everett Municipal Code
2. My neighbor’s recreational fire smoke is blowing into my property. Is that legal?
Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.
3. Can I have a large bonfire?
307.2.2 Bonfires.
Notwithstanding the language in 307.2.1, bonfires do require a permit and shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Only dry, seasoned wood may be burned. Construction scraps, green wood, shrub trimmings, leaves, and other refuse are prohibited for use as fuel. If a bonfire is on a salt water beach, it shall not be located in areas where substantial driftwood accumulations exist.
307.2.3 Fire hazard prevention. At the discretion of the Fire Code Official, fires for the prevention of a fire hazard are allowed under permit from the Everett Fire Department, provided no alternate means of prevention is reasonably available.
307.2.4 Instruction and testing. Fires for instruction of public officials in methods of firefighting, testing fire resistance of materials, or testing fire protection equipment are allowed, provided prior written approval has been issued by the control officer of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Everett Fire Code Official or his designee.
307.3 Extinguishment Authority. In addition to any powers vested in the control officer of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the Fire Code Official or his designee is authorized to order the extinguishment by the person who kindled and/or is maintaining the fire, the permit holder, or the fire department, of open burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation, where a violation of this chapter is found, or because of any false statement or misrepresentation as to a material fact in the information or plans submitted on which the right to burn was based.
307.4 Location. The location for allowed open burning shall not be less than 51 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure. If any provision of this section requires a smaller distance from a structure, that provision shall be complied with.
307.5 Attendance. All allowed open burning shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with the Everett Fire Code with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate use. A fire shall not be considered extinguished unless one can handle the ashes without protection.
4. Can I burn yard debris?
No. The State of Washington has permanently banned the burning of yard debris or trash in the City of Everett whether or not a burn barrel is used.
5. Can I have a portable outdoor fireplace on my property?
Yes, in most cases. If the fireplace is within 25 feet of a structure it must be in an approved container. Only charcoal or seasoned fire wood may be burned.
6. Can I have a permanent outdoor fireplace constructed on my property?
Yes, but you will need to use the City’s permit and inspection process to do that. Call 425-257-8810 or visit Building Department Permit Counter
June 18, 2017
Everett Government