Outdoor Burning

Effective June 30, 2025 , all outdoor burning is banned in Spokane County until further notice. BBQs, smokers, and propane fireplaces are permitted. If using these devices, please make sure to have at least 25 feet of clearance from dry vegetation, have adequate clearance from structures, and thoroughly wet down ashes and briquettes before safely disposing. Contact us if you have any questions about burning restrictions.

Spokane County Fire District 2 Burn Restrictions - Frequently Asked Questions

What is open burning?

Open burning is burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It is also burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

Is open burning allowed in District 2?

Some open burning is allowed in District 2 when there is no seasonal or air quality burn ban in effect. Always check this page and the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency burn restrictions pag before burning.

What types of fires are allowed?

If no burn bans are in place, the following types of fires may be allowed: All areas:

Recreational fires: No larger than 3 feet across, at least 25 feet from the nearest structure, using clean, dry firewood. All recreational fires must be attended by a responsible adult.

Outside the Town of Fairfield:

Yard debris fires: No larger than 3 feet across, at least 25 feet from the nearest structure, and attended by a responsible adult. Permits are required for all yard debris fires. All materials burned must have grown on the property where the fire is occurring. Contact Spokane County Fire District 2 to request a yard debris permit. Yard debris fires are never allowed within Fairfield city limits.
Agricultural burning: May be allowed within the guidelines found on the Agricultural Burning Fact Sheet (PDF). Permits are required for all agricultural burns. Permits for yard debris fires issued by District 2 do not cover agricultural burns. Permits for agricultural burns can be obtained at the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency outdoor burning page.
Silvicultural debris fires: To dispose of materials from unimproved timber ground are allowed under Washington State Department of Natural Resources rules found Washington DNR burn permit requirements. DNR may also be contacted by phone at 509-685-6900.

Can I burn left over lumber from construction projects?

Burning of dimensional lumber (such as 2x4s and 2x6s) and treated lumber is never allowed.

Are garbage burning and burn barrels banned?

Garbage burning and burn barrels are illegal everywhere in Washington, and have been for many years.

What happens if I keep burning illegally?

You can be fined thousands of dollars per day for each violation. You can also be held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire. This can also cost thousands of dollars.

Who should I call if someone is burning and they’re not supposed to?

You can report in-progress illegal outdoor burning by calling 911. To report air quality concerns associated with fireplace use, call the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency at 509-477-4727.