Burn Ban Levels

Summer is here, and that means fire season is too. On June 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m., Anderson Island moved into a Stage 1 Fire Safety Burn Ban following guidance from the Pierce County Fire Marshal. Burn ban status of Anderson Island is always located at the top of our website at www.andersonislandfire.org, pinned to our Facebook page and displayed at the permit kiosk.

If you have ever wondered, “Wait…what kind of burn ban is this again?” you are definitely not alone. There are a few different types of burn bans, and they all mean something a little different. Here is a simple breakdown of what you need to know this summer.

Types of Burn Bans

Clean Air Burn Ban

Are issued by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to protect air quality in the region, when air pollution may reach unhealthy levels. These bans typically take place during calm, cold winter months. Air Quality Burn Ban Hotline: 1-800-595-4341

Fire Safety Burn Ban

Issued by the Pierce County Fire Marshal to help prevent uncontrolled outdoor fires. These bans typically take place during the hot, dry summer months.

Fire Safety Burn Ban Hotline: 1-253-798-7278

DNR Burn Bans

Issued by the Department of Natural Resources on lands that DNR protects from wildfire, as a tool to reduce human-caused wildfires during extremely hot and dry weather conditions. DNR Burn Ban Hotline: 1-800-323-BURN(2876)

Stages of Fire Safety Burn Bans

Stage 1 We often see a Stage 1 Burn Ban put in place at the beginning of June. This prohibits burning yard debris in unincorporated Pierce County. Residents should instead use alternatives such as composting or green waste disposal. Land clearing fires are never allowed on Anderson Island.

Stage 2 Burn Bans at Stage 2 typically begin when fire weather worsens and is in response to dry conditions on the ground and ongoing fires in western Washington. No outdoor burning is allowed, whether yard waste or recreational fires. Charcoal in grills, gas and propane grills and heaters, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed if they are on a non-combustible surface.

Red Flag Event or Total Fire Burn Ban When issued, these warnings indicate critical fire weather, including low humidity and high winds, necessitating extreme caution to avoid sparking wildfires. This is typically a short time period of a few days to a week where fire danger is especially high. This can occur more than once per year. However, if conditions remain mild enough, a Red Flag Event may not be triggered at all. This ban further prohibits charcoal grills and may even prohibit gas lawnmowers, as they are also highly discouraged in these conditions. Anderson Island Fire & Rescue will keep our website updated, as well as information near our burn permit kiosk. If further clarification is needed, please call the Pierce County Burn Ban Hotline or Anderson Island Fire & Rescue directly.

Burn Permits

Any burning on island, apart from grills, requires a Burn Permit. Burn Permits are free of charge. 

·         Who can obtain one? The owner of the property where there will be burning.

·         What are they?  Paper permits that have a perforated detachable bottom portion. This is what must be turned into the fire station to place you in the burn permit database. The larger top portion of the permit details the conditions required for burning safely and legally.

·         When can you fill one out? They’re available 24/7 at the outside station kiosk and on the website.

·         Where can you obtain one? They are available at Anderson Island Fire Station at the outside kiosk located to the right of the front door. Printable permits are also available online at our website: andersonsislandfire.org/services.

·         Why fill out a burn permit form? This acts as your actual permit, which must remain available for inspection at your property when you are burning outside.

As summers in the Pacific Northwest continue getting hotter and drier, understanding burn bans is one small way we can all help protect our island, our neighbors and our firefighters. Stay safe out there, and when in doubt, check before you burn!