What You Need to Know

✅ Yard waste burning prohibited
✅ Land-clearing burns prohibited
✅ Recreational campfires still allowed under specific safety requirements
✅ Charcoal barbecues permitted
✅ Restrictions remain in effect until further notice

MONTESANO, Wash. — Grays Harbor County residents will need to put outdoor burning plans on hold as new burn restrictions take effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, due to increasingly warm and dry weather conditions.

The Grays Harbor County Fire Marshal’s Office, in coordination with local fire districts, announced that all residential yard waste burning and land-clearing burns are prohibited until further notice. The temporary restriction is intended to reduce the risk of wildfires during the current dry weather pattern.

While debris burning is no longer allowed, officials say some recreational fires and cooking activities may continue under specific conditions.

Charcoal briquettes and recreational campfires are still permitted when used in approved fire pits, improved barbecues, or designated campgrounds commonly found in county and state parks as well as commercial campgrounds.

Campfires on private property are also allowed with the landowner’s permission, provided they meet several safety requirements:

• Fire pits must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter.
• Fires must be contained within a ring of metal, stone, or brick extending at least 8 inches above ground level.
• A 2-foot-wide area of exposed soil must surround the fire pit.
• At least 10 feet of clearance around the fire must be free of flammable materials.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet away from structures, overhead flammable materials, and fuels.
• Campfires must be attended at all times by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.
• Fire suppression tools, including a shovel and a 5-gallon bucket of water or a connected and charged garden hose, must be readily available.

Officials also remind residents that campfires should be completely extinguished by pouring water or moist soil on the fire and stirring the ashes until all materials are cool to the touch.

The Fire Marshal’s Office encourages residents to consider using self-contained camp stoves as a safer alternative during the burn restriction period.

Those planning beach fires should check with Washington State Parks for any additional restrictions or closures that may be in effect.

For additional information regarding local burn restrictions, residents can contact the Grays Harbor County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-249-5579.