Pierce County burn ban begins June 1 to reduce wildfire risk | Pierce County
Published 11:00 am Thursday, May 14, 2026
Editor’s note: The following is a press release from Pierce County.
Unincorporated Pierce County residents should prepare now for the annual burn ban, which begins at 8 a.m. on June 1, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Warmer temperatures and ongoing drought conditions across the state are increasing wildfire risk as summer approaches. Dry vegetation and low moisture levels make fires easier to ignite, harder to control, and more likely to spread quickly into nearby homes, neighborhoods, and wildland areas.
“We are heading into a hotter, drier summer, and that significantly raises the risk of wildfire across our communities,” said Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice. “When vegetation is dry, it only takes a spark to start a fire that can grow rapidly and threaten homes and lives.”
“Even small, seemingly manageable fires can get out of hand in seconds under these conditions,” Rice added. “The burn ban is a critical step we take every year to reduce that risk, prevent avoidable emergencies, and help protect both residents and first responders.”
The Stage 1 burn ban prohibits land clearing fires and burning yard debris in unincorporated Pierce County. Residents should instead use alternatives such as composting.
Barbecues (gas, wood, and charcoal) and small recreational fires in approved fire pits on private property or in designated campgrounds are still allowed when safety guidelines are followed.
Pierce County implements the annual burn ban in coordination with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association based on seasonal fire conditions. Late spring and summer typically bring drier fuels, lower humidity, and increased fire danger.
A fixed June 1 start date helps residents plan ahead and removes uncertainty about when restrictions take effect. In 2025, the burn ban was in place from June 1 to Oct. 1. The duration of this year’s ban will depend on fire risk conditions in the coming months.
Violations of the burn ban may result in citations and fines. If fire crews respond to an illegal fire, the responsible party may be billed for the full cost of emergency response, which can be significant given the resources required to protect life and property.
This burn ban does not apply to legal fireworks used during approved discharge periods in unincorporated Pierce County. Learn more at PierceCountyWa.gov/Fireworks.
Residents with approved Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) burn permits or properties under DNR jurisdiction should call 1-800-323-BURN before burning.
