26642 Miller Bay Road NE     Kingston, Washington 98346   (360)297-3619   

January 4, 2001

01-01-01

With the advent of the New Year comes changes in outdoor burning regulations for citizens served by Poulsbo Fire Department and North Kitsap Fire & Rescue.

By Washington state law, outdoor burning has been banned* in Kitsap County’s urban growth areas effective January 1^{st, 2001. Similar prohibitions, implemented as part of the state’s clean air legislation, have been in place for some time in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. In North Kitsap, the communities of Poulsbo and Kingston are impacted by this permanent change. Detailed maps of the urban growth areas are available at fire departments’ headquarters stations, or on-line at www.kitsapburnban.org. Additional information on this ban as well as suggestions for alternative means of disposal for yard waste and stumps is available on that website and through the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) at (800) 552-3565.}

Although the state will curtail outdoor burning throughout the county by 2006, outdoor fires remain legal                                                                     outside the urban growth areas and under the following conditions:

ØA permit has been obtained. Permits are required for outdoor fires of any size, and can be acquired at staffed fire stations on Faulkner Road in Lofall, Poulsbo, Suquamish, Kingston or Hansville. Fees may be charged on some permits.

ØOutdoor burning rules are observed. It is illegal to burn anything except natural vegetation. Outdoor fires must be attended at all times with a means of extinguishment available. Additionally, fires must have adequate clearance from structures or other combustible items. More information on outdoor burning regulations is available at staffed fire stations.

ØNo burn ban is in force. To determine if an air quality or fire danger burn ban is in effect, call the North Kitsap Outdoor Burn Information Line at 297-4888.

^{Although local fire departments will continue to respond to burning complaints and forward violations to PSCAA for enforcement, both Poulsbo Fire Department and North Kitsap Fire & Rescue hope to use the first year of the new rules as an opportunity to educate the public. But, by keeping units busy and away from their primary response areas, answering burning complaints can impact the departments’ ability to provide fire and emergency medical services. So, citizens who flagrantly break the new rules will be referred to PSCAA and subject to significant fines.}

        *Some cooking, ceremonial and recreational fires may be allowed by permit .