As spring transitions into summer, more folks want to get outside with family and friends. For many, that means gathering around a campfire. Whether in your own backyard or at a public recreational area, campfires should be enjoyed responsibly with an eye toward both fire safety and smoke control.
Follow these best practices for safe recreational fires
Burn only clean, dry firewood or charcoal
- Dry fuels burn hot, cleanly, and completely.
- Choose good-quality firewood such as fir, hemlock, cedar, maple, oak, or other hardwoods.
- Avoid ‘soft’ wood like cottonwood and any rotting logs.
- Avoid burning wet wood – moisture cools the fire and creates more smoke.
Keep your fire small and HOT!
- A hot fire minimizes smoke.
- Place your firewood carefully into the fire to keep the base ‘open’ for good air flow – more air in the base means less smoke out the top.
- Don’t overfeed the fire. Add wood one piece at a time to avoid ‘choking’ the fire.
- A small fire is easy to manage and keep safe.
- Recreational fires (a.k.a. campfires) must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
Be aware of your local weather
Before lighting your fire, check where your smoke will go. Don’t light the fire if the wind carries smoke toward your neighbor!
Trash burning is ILLEGAL
Burning trash of any kind is illegal AT ALL TIMES throughout the State of Washington. This includes any household trash, construction debris, and cardboard boxes. Note: BURN BARRELS are illegal in Washington!
