Aberdeen Lifts Total Burn Ban, Recreational Fires Now Allowed

The lifting of the ban allows residents to resume recreational fires within Aberdeen city limits, provided they follow the city’s existing restrictive burning regulations.

The City of Aberdeen has lifted the total burn ban that was issued on July 24, 2026, effective immediately.

The lifting of the ban allows residents to resume recreational fires within Aberdeen city limits, provided they follow the city’s existing restrictive burning regulations.

A recreational fire includes cooking fires and campfires using charcoal or firewood in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used to dispose of debris are not considered recreational fires. (WAC 173-425-030)

Recreational Fire Requirements

Residents planning to have a recreational fire should follow these guidelines:

1. Approved fire areas: Recreational fires may be built on open ground or in fire pits or containers made 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 in accordance with the city’s recreational fire requirements.

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 away from wooden fences, decks, structures, or other combustible materials.

6. Never leave a fire unattended: Fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished when burning is finished or when a responsible person is no longer present. A fire extinguisher or garden hose must be readily available.

7. What can be burned: 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.

Residents with questions or who need additional information can contact the Aberdeen Fire Department at 360-532-1254.