Full Notification

Rule Burn Rules

Learn and Follow DNR's outdoor burning rules

A written permit is required for outdoor burns that don't meet safe outdoor burning rules, or during high fire danger periods. In forested areas protected by DNR, debris burning is permitted without a written permit if all the following conditions are met:

The only materials being burned are forest debris, natural vegetation and untreated wood products. The pile does not contain rubber, plastic, asphalt, garbage, dead animals, petroleum products, paint or other materials that emit dense smoke or create offensive odors.

Only one pile at a time is being burned, and that pile is located at least 50 feet away from structures and at least 500 feet away from forest slash.

The area around the burn pile has been cleared of any flammable debris.

The fire is only lit or maintained during calm or light winds - not when the wind is swaying trees, extending flags, or causing rough waves on the water.

Someone stays with and watches the fire the entire time it is burning, until the fire is completely out. That person is equipped with a shovel and a connected water hose or at least five gallons of water.

The person attending the fire is prepared to extinguish the fire if smoke or ash becomes a nuisance for nearby residents.

In addition to following outdoor burning safety rules, before lighting ANY fire and on the day you plan to burn, call 1-800-323-BURN for burn instructions specific to that day and location.

A complete list of campfire and rule burn requirements can be obtained by calling the DNR Northeast Region office at (509) 684-7474 or 1-800-527-3305, ext. 116.

To obtain a written burning permit, contact your local DNR office at 1-800-527-3305.

Burners who don't follow safe burning rules or the conditions of their written permit are subject to a misdemeanor citation. Individuals who allow a fire to escape through proven negligence may be required to pay the cost of having that fire suppressed.