Spokane burn restrictions start June 30, 2026: what’s allowed and what’s not
Spokane-area burn restrictions start at 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, limiting backyard fire pits and most open burning countywide.
Spokane-area fire officials have enacted countywide outdoor burn restrictions that go into effect at 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (the order was enacted at 11:59 p.m. June 29). Officials tied the action to elevated wildfire danger and forecasted hot, dry conditions.
The rules are designed to reduce human-caused wildfires and also protect air quality by limiting outdoor smoke. Because restrictions can change, residents are directed to confirm the current status before lighting anything outdoors.
What’s not allowed during the restrictions
Fire marshals and the Spokane Clean Air fact sheet list these as prohibited during a fire danger restriction:
- Recreational fires, including backyard fire pits and campfires.
- Open burning, including yard debris and field burning.
- Recreational fires without a chimney—such as a backyard fire pit or a campfire using chopped firewood or charcoal.
- Fire bowls with removable mesh screens (not allowed).
What’s allowed (and the key conditions)
Spokane Regional Clean Air and area fire officials emphasize that allowed options depend on the device and the fuel used.
- Manufactured portable outdoor devices with spark arrestors, when used with approved fuels and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Examples listed by Fire Marshals include manufactured barbecues, pellet grills, smokers, chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and patio heaters.
- Approved fuels named for allowed devices include clean, dry seasoned firewood, manufactured logs/pellets, charcoal, natural gas, and propane.
- Campfires: designated campground or park campfires may be allowed only when approved by the agency with jurisdiction (not as a universal “anywhere” option).
The fact sheet also notes that recreational fires are generally allowed on private land unless prohibited by the landowner (for example, in a rental, lease, or private association setting).
Where to check the latest status and device rules
Because the restrictions are in effect until further notice, Spokane Clean Air points residents to its:
- Burn restrictions status page for the current stage, and
- Recreational fires / open burning restrictions fact sheet (including photos) to confirm what your specific device configuration allows.
Enforcement and health impact: what officials want you to do
Officials encourage residents with questions to contact their local fire agency before lighting any outdoor fire.
They also warn that people who do not immediately extinguish (or stop) unauthorized burning when directed may face misdemeanor penalties under International Fire Code Section 109 and Spokane County Code 3.02.
On the air-quality side, officials note smoke can negatively impact health—posing the greatest risk to children, older adults, and people with heart or respiratory conditions.
Statewide context for certain burning situations
For burning that falls under Washington DNR’s broader outdoor burning rules (especially rule burning or permit situations), DNR directs people to check local burn restrictions first and to follow the Rule Burn or Permit Burn approach.
Spokane Clean Air’s status page also notes DNR restrictions affecting certain rule burning and indicates campfires are limited to approved designated settings under that DNR update. If your plan involves anything beyond a typical backyard cooking device, verify with DNR guidance and then cross-check Spokane’s current status before burning.
Sources
- City of Spokane Fire Department — Fire Marshal outdoor recreational fire restriction notice (June 29, 2026)
- Spokane County — News Flash: Burn restrictions effective June 29/30, 2026 (fire chiefs coordination)
- Spokane Clean Air — Recreational Fires / Open Burning Restrictions fact sheet (PDF, Rev. June 2026)
- Washington DNR — Outdoor Burning guidance (state-level context on restrictions/permits)
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