San Juan Island Fire & Rescue burn permits
Fire danger
Low
Wind
—
Air quality
—
Right now
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- Wind is an area forecast — your spot may differ.
Burning can close any day for weather or fire danger. Check this page before every burn.
Burn permits
Yes With a permit.
Required for residential and commercial burns.
Burn season: Oct 12 – Jun 1 · Day 2 of 233
Residential burn permits
For piles up to 10 ft across and 6 ft tall — yard debris and brush at home. No inspection needed.
Commercial burn permits
For piles larger than 10 ft across or 6 ft tall — land clearing and bigger burns. The district inspects the site before you light.
per project site
Recreational fires — no permit needed
Yes Except State Park lands.
- Within County Open
Small campfires — up to 3 ft across, attended, with water on hand.
- Propane & gas appliances Open
Self-contained propane and gas stoves, grills, and fire pits — tracked separately, so they can stay open under restrictions.
- DNR lands Open
“Campfires, recreational fires, charcoal, and briquettes are AUTHORIZED.”
- State Park lands Closed
“No fires permitted at any time at Lime Kiln Point.”
- National Park lands Open
Campfires in designated fire rings at South Beach are AUTHORIZED
Looking for your permit?
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Can't burn? Alternatives
- Composting: In most cases yard debris can be left on-site, mulched and put in a compost bin or pile, or pile-and-cover method. Click here for info.
- Chip it: rent a chipper to turn branches and small trees into mulch or chips.
- Biochar: San Juan Islands Conservation District has info on making biochar.
- San Juan County has a list of waste management resources.
- San Juan Transfer Station accepts clean, woody debris and brush.
- Town of Friday Harbor offers yard collection as a part of their waste collection services.