Navigating Fire Safety & Regulations in the Puget Sound
Here in the Pacific Northwest, few things feel more comforting than gathering around a fire on a cool evening. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows with family, sipping wine with friends, or enjoying a quiet solo night outdoors, a fire pit creates warmth, ambiance, and connection.
But enjoying an outdoor fire in the Puget Sound region isn’t as simple as striking a match. Fire safety is more than just a smart precaution—it’s regulated by local codes, clean air agencies, and city fire departments. These rules are designed to protect public health, minimize wildfire risks, and ensure that everyone can enjoy their outdoor living spaces without compromising their neighbors’ air quality or safety.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we’re committed to helping you not only choose the perfect COR-TEN steel fireplace but also enjoy it responsibly. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating fire safety and regulations in the Puget Sound.
Who Regulates Outdoor Fires in Puget Sound?
Two primary entities oversee outdoor fire use in the region:
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) – Oversees air quality and enforces burn bans when pollution levels are high.
Local Fire Departments & Municipal Codes – Set specific rules for fire pit size, placement, and safety practices.
Understanding how these two systems work together ensures you’re compliant while still enjoying your fireplace.
Local Fire Pit Rules You Need to Know
While specifics can vary by municipality, here are the most common rules across Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, and surrounding areas.
Fire Size and Containment
Recreational fires must be less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
Fires must be contained in a designated fire pit, fireplace, or chiminea.
Fire pits must be placed on non-combustible surfaces such as gravel, stone, or concrete—not directly on grass or wooden decks unless protective shielding is in place.
Distance Requirements
Fires must be at least 25 feet from combustible structures like fences, decks, sheds, or houses.
Portable fireplaces should not be used under overhangs, awnings, or enclosed patios.
Fuel Restrictions
Only dry, seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20% is allowed.
Burning yard waste, trash, paper, cardboard, or construction materials is prohibited.
Treated or painted wood should never be burned—it releases toxic fumes and creates excess residue.
Supervision & Extinguishing
Fires must always be attended by an adult.
A water source, garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher must be on hand at all times.
Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving the area.
Understanding Burn Bans in the Puget Sound
One of the most important things to remember about fire safety in this region is that rules change with air quality conditions.
What Is a Burn Ban?
A burn ban is a temporary restriction issued by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when pollution levels rise due to weather patterns or stagnant air. Smoke from recreational fires can worsen air quality, especially for vulnerable populations.
Types of Burn Bans
Stage 1 Ban: Prohibits all outdoor recreational fires, including fire pits, chimineas, and wood stoves that don’t meet EPA certification.
Stage 2 Ban: Extends restrictions to all wood burning, even in certified devices.
How to Stay Updated
Visit the PSCAA website for daily updates.
Sign up for text or email alerts.
Follow local news or check municipal websites.
👉 Pro tip: Even when bans aren’t active, burning responsibly with clean wood and efficient techniques reduces smoke output and keeps neighbors happy.
Tips for Staying Compliant (and Safe)
Beyond the official regulations, there are best practices that every responsible fire pit owner should follow.
1. Check Before You Burn
Always verify if a burn ban is in effect before lighting your fire. This small habit prevents fines and protects community air quality.
2. Use the Right Firewood
Dry, seasoned hardwoods such as maple, oak, or fruitwood burn hotter and cleaner. Avoid softwoods like pine, which produce more creosote and smoke.
3. Start Fires Cleanly
Use natural fire starters or kindling—not newspaper or cardboard. These materials create excess soot and can dirty your glass faster.
4. Maintain Proper Airflow
Building a fire with the top-down method ensures hotter, cleaner combustion. More airflow = less smoke.
5. Keep Safety Gear Handy
A garden hose connected and ready.
A bucket of water nearby.
A small shovel for stirring or covering embers.
6. Never Leave a Fire Unattended
Even a smoldering ember can reignite. Always extinguish fires completely before heading inside.
Why These Rules Matter
It may feel like the rules are restrictive, but they exist for good reason:
Health: Smoke from wood fires can worsen asthma, trigger allergies, and harm vulnerable populations.
Safety: Proper containment and supervision minimize wildfire risks.
Neighborhood Harmony: Clean, efficient fires reduce smoke drift, keeping relations with neighbors positive.
Environmental Responsibility: Limiting unnecessary smoke helps maintain the Puget Sound region’s air quality.
By respecting these regulations, you’re not just avoiding fines—you’re helping to create a safer, healthier community.
Fire Safety and RB73 Fireplaces
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we proudly carry RB73 COR-TEN steel fireplaces that are engineered with safety and compliance in mind.
Air Spoiler Design: Helps maintain cleaner glass and reduces soot buildup.
COR-TEN Steel Construction: Durable, weather-resistant material that won’t corrode through like cheap fire pits.
Compact Footprints: Many models meet local size restrictions without modifications.
Optional Heat Shields: Allow safe placement closer to structures or decks.
In other words, RB73 fireplaces are designed to align with Puget Sound regulations while still delivering exceptional performance and beauty.
FAQs: Fire Safety in Puget Sound
Can I use my fire pit during a burn ban?
No, recreational wood-burning is prohibited during burn bans. Gas fire tables or propane heaters are usually still allowed.
Do I need a permit for my backyard fire pit?
In most Puget Sound municipalities, small recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter do not require permits. Larger setups or commercial use may.
What’s the best way to fully extinguish a fire?
Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until everything is cool to the touch. Never rely on just covering it with dirt.
Can I burn construction scraps or old pallets?
No. Only clean, dry, natural firewood is allowed. Scrap wood often contains chemicals or nails that are unsafe to burn.
Are chimineas and portable fireplaces legal in Seattle?
Yes, as long as they meet the size, distance, and fuel restrictions outlined above.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor fires are one of the simplest joys of living in the Pacific Northwest—but they come with responsibility. By following local codes, respecting burn bans, and practicing safe burning habits, you can enjoy your RB73 fireplace with total peace of mind.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we don’t just deliver handcrafted COR-TEN fireplaces—we also help our customers understand the rules and best practices that keep their homes, families, and neighborhoods safe.
🔥 Ready to enjoy fireside living in the PNW—safely and stylishly? Explore our collection of outdoor fire pits and fireplaces today, and let us help you design a setup that’s as compliant as it is beautiful.
