Land Clearing Burns

A vacant lot that is being cleared (for a home, barn, pasture, lawn, etc).
If a portion of a parcel is being cleared in order to be used for another purpose, which creates a debris pile larger than 4 feet in diameter.
If there are 1 or more stumps to be burned.
Heavy equipment is involved.

Permitting Agencies

ORCAA’s permit program will cover most areas within ORCAA’s six-county region. Eastern Jefferson County (Fire District #1), Mason County and several local fire districts in the region have instituted programs for their respective areas. In these areas land clearing permits will be administered by these agencies (see table below). If you live within ORCAA’s jurisdiction, but outside any of the areas listed, you must obtain your land clearing burning permit from ORCAA.

Download the ORCAA Land Clearing Burn Permit Application

Download ORCAA's Land Clearing Burn Management Handbook - Information on burning techniques for good smoke management.

Applications are also available by contacting ORCAA’s office, (360) 539-7610 or (800) 422-5623.
The fee is $100 per acre cleared.

What are the Permit Conditions?

The permits will be, where applicable, for land clearing burning piles greater than 4′x4′x3′ but not exceeding 20 feet in diameter. The permits will be valid for 30 days. ORCAA’s permit will focus on air quality and tips on fire safety. Please see the application form for more details.

Guidelines and Laws

Where burning is allowed, only natural vegetation (leaves, brush, etc.) may be burned.
State law prohibits the burning of the following materials, including, but not limited to, paper or newspaper (except what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, household garbage, treated, painted or stained wood, plywood, construction debris, paints, tires and other rubber products, plastics, asphalt and building materials, chemicals, petroleum products, metal, and dead animals.

Smoke, odor, or ash which goes beyond your property and impacts a neighbor is illegal. Violations of outdoor burning laws may result in fines up to $14,915 per violation.

Other Permitting Information

ORCAA will notify DNR regional offices and fire departments and/or fire districts of land clearing burning permits which are issued for their respective jurisdictions.
For more outdoor burning information, contact these organizations:
Department of Ecology
PO Box 47600
Olympia WA 98504-7600
360-407-6889
Department of Natural Resources
1-800-527-3305

Land Clearing Burning Permit Programs in ORCAA's Jurisdiction

Agency	Max. Pile Size	Fee	Comments
Clallam County FD 2 (Port Angeles area) (360) 417-4790	20′x20′x15′	$75, non refundable	30-day permit limit.
Clallam County FD 3 (Sequim area) (360) 683-4242	20′ diameter x 15′ high	$100, non refundable	30-day permit limit.
Mason County Fire Marshall’s Office: (360) 427-9670	No larger than 20′ in diameter for land clearing purposes	$160.50	No more than 1 fire per acre; no more than 3 per parcel. 30-day permit limit.
Pacific County FD #1 (Ocean Park & north part of Long Beach Peninsula) (360) 665-4451	Up to 20′x20′x15′	$75	Fire Department issues all permits for Ocean Park. 60-day permit limit.
Grays Harbor County Ocean Shores Fire Dept. (360) 289-3611	No larger than 20′ diameter	No fee	7-day permit limit. Can be renewed. Strictly for inside city limits.
City of Montesano Fire Department (360) 249-4851			see City of Montesano Fire Department for permit
Grays Harbor County Ocean Shores Fire Dept. (360) 289-3611	No larger than 20′ diameter	No fee	7-day permit limit. Can be renewed. Strictly for inside city limits.
East Jefferson County Fire District #1 (360) 385-2626	No larger than 25' diameter	$100 per 30 days	see East Jefferson Fire Rescue for Permit