Each weekday the Washington State Department of Ecology monitors weather conditions and makes a Daily Burn Decision for agricultural burns. Ecology then notifies the local Burn Control Officer who reviews the Ecology decision, considers/monitors local conditions and makes a Daily Burn Decision for residential burn permit holders. Burning is permitted when conditions will allow smoke to rise fast and to dissipate rapidly. The local decision may be different from the Ecology decision, but it will never be more restrictive.
Requirements for all burning in Walla Walla County:
- Only natural vegetation can be burned in ANY outdoor fire.
- Someone must be monitoring the fire at all times with a water source available significant to control the burn.
- If any fire creates a public safety hazard, nuisance or interferes with the right of a person to enjoy their property it must be extinguished immediately.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions at 509-524-2610. Thank You.
Department of Ecology Learn Before You Burn, Did you know? Illegal Materials, and Quema de Barriles. Sabia Que?
Residential Burn Decision Line: 509-524-2612. Please call after 9:30 AM daily.
Burn Control Zone Map: - County Wide Map
Burn Permit Renewals
Burn permit holders may renew in three ways - (1) in person at Community Development Department office (310 W. Poplar, Suite 200), (2) by check mailed to the above address, or (3) by calling the Burn Control Officer directly at 509-524-2610 to pay over the phone with a credit or debit card.
Type of Burns and Permits
In an attempt to avoid illegal burning, please read the following educational material. There are six main types of outdoor burning that we see in and around Walla Walla:
Agricultural Burns
These types of permits are issued by the Department of Ecology Burn Team at 509-329-3400 and regulated directly through Ecology's Eastern Regional Office in Spokane.
The Walla Walla County Conservation District is the local permitting authority for agricultural burning. Please call them at 509-522-6340 for more information.
Complaints about agricultural burning should be forwarded to 866-211-6284.
Bonfires
These are large fires no more than 10-feet in diameter. They require a permit and an inspection by the County Fire Marshal and the permit must be obtained at least 10 days in advance. Bonfires must be 50-feet from combustibles. Permits for this type of burn are $75 and good for only a specific day and time.
Application
Burn Barrels
Burn barrels are illegal throughout the State of Washington. There is no permit that you can obtain that will allow you to use a burn barrel.
Department of Ecology: Focus on Burn Barrels.
Fence Line Burns
These are small burns limited to either side of a fence line for burning tumbleweeds. There is no permit for this burn, but you should notify your Fire District prior to burning. This type of burn is limited to the same hours listed in the County's Daily Burn Decision for residential burns.
Recreational Burns
These are small “warming” type fire pits. These fires may not be larger than 3-feet wide and 2-feet high. In Walla Walla County all recreational burns must be located at least 25-feet from combustibles unless approved by the Walla Walla County Fire Marshal. This type of burn is NOT limited to the same hours listed in the County's Daily Burn Decision for residential burns.
Residential Burns
Residential Burns are allowed in the County outside the Urban Growth Areas (UGA). Residential burns may not be larger than 4-feet wide and 3-feet high. Residential burns must be 50-feet from combustibles. Permits for this type of burn are $35 and are good for one year from the date of issuance. This type of burn is limited to the hours listed in the County's Daily Burn Decision.
Burn permit application
