Hoquiam Lifts Outdoor Burn Ban

The City of Hoquiam lifted its previously enacted outdoor burn ban effective 12:01 a.m. September 18, 2026, allowing residents to resume recreational fires within the city.

The City of Hoquiam lifted its previously enacted outdoor burn ban effective 12:01 a.m. September 18, 2026, allowing residents to resume recreational fires within the city.

Recreational fires must still follow the city’s established burning regulations.

A “recreational fire” is defined as a cooking fire or campfire using charcoal or firewood that occurs in a designated area or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal are not considered recreational fires under WAC 173-425-030.

Recreational Fire Requirements

Hoquiam residents should follow these requirements when having a recreational fire:

1. Approved fire areas: Recreational fires may be built on open ground or in fire pits or containers constructed of concrete containing pumice, masonry, ceramic, or steel. Steel burn barrels are not allowed.

2. Commercial fire containers: Commercially manufactured fire containers must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety requirements.

3. Homemade fire containers: Non-commercial or home-built fire containers must be installed and used according to these guidelines.

4. Fire size: The fuel area may be no larger than 36 inches in diameter and 24 inches in height. Bonfires are not allowed.

5. Clearance: Fire areas must be located at least 25 feet from wooden fences, decks, structures, or other combustible materials.

6. Fires must be attended: Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished when burning is complete or when a responsible person is no longer present. A fire extinguisher or garden hose must be readily available.

7. Approved fuels only: Only dry firewood, charcoal, or commercially produced artificial logs, such as Presto-Logs, may be burned. Trash, rubbish, and yard debris may not be burned.

8. Be considerate of neighbors: If smoke, odor, or ash travels beyond your property and negatively impacts a neighbor or creates a nuisance, the fire must be extinguished.

For additional information, contact the Hoquiam Fire Department at 360-538-3962.

For information regarding burning regulations in other areas, residents should contact their local fire department or the Grays Harbor County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Contact:
Nick Falley, Fire Marshal
Hoquiam Fire Department
360-538-3962