NOTE: FACTORY-MANUFACTURED BARBECUES USING CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES, NATURAL GAS OR PROPAINE GAS FOR FUEL ARE EXEMPT FROM THESE REG

NOTE: FACTORY-MANUFACTURED BARBECUES USING CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES, NATURAL GAS OR PROPAINE GAS FOR FUEL ARE EXEMPT FROM THESE REGULATIONS.

Recreational fires are allowed in a fire pit in Pierce County Fire Protection District # 22 (East Pierce Fire & Rescue)

Due to the “Washington State Clean Air Act”, revised in 1991, it is mandatory that recreational fires meet the following requirements:

1. Recreational fires are limited to burning of seasoned wood or charcoal briquettes, with a total fuel area of three (3) feet or less in diameter and two (2) feet in height, for the purpose of cooking or religious ceremonies.

2. No garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products paints, rubber products, tires, plastic, paper products, plywood, finished lumber, or particleboard may be burned.

3. Burning of residential yard waste in a recreational fire pit is NOT allowed, including grass clippings, leaves, needles and brush.

4. No recreational fires shall be allowed during any stage of an air pollution episode or impaired air quality, as directed by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency.

Pierce County Fire District #22 is required to report infractions of the above regulations to Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a civil penalty of up to $11,000 per day.

Following are Pierce County Fire Protection District # 22’s requirements for recreational fire pits. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to the issuing of a citation by Pierce County. The maximum penalty is $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than ninety days.

LOCATION:

Recreational fires must be 25 feet away from any structure.

Recreational fire pits shall be located not less than ten (10) feet from adjoining property lines, fences, or docks.

CONSTRUCTION:

Recreational fire pits shall be constructed of concrete or approved non-combustible material. The bottom of the pit may be of sand, gravel, or mineral earth.

The recreational fire pit shall not exceed three (3) feet in diameter. The depth of the pit shall be a minimum of four (4) inches and capable of containing all burned material.

A minimum of five (5) feet shall be maintained around the entire pit, free of dry grass, shrubbery, weeds, vegetation, and any other combustible material, including overhanging limbs from trees.

MAINTENANCE:

Recreational fire pits shall be maintained in good condition at all times.

Fire extinguishing equipment, such as buckets, shovels or garden hoses shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.

ATTENDENCE:

Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment required by this section. An attendant shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire has been completely extinguished.

DISCONTINUANCE:

Pierce County Fire Protection District # 22 may require a recreational fire be extinguished if atmospheric or local circumstances make such fires hazardous or if it is required by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.