To report illegal burning, call the non-emergency number 425-407-3999.

If the fire is an immediate threat to life or property, call 911.

Outdoor Burning Ban Takes Effect July 1

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal announced a Stage 1 outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Snohomish County effective July 1 through August 31, 2025. The ban may be extended depending on conditions. The Stage 1 burn ban suspends all residential burning, even if a permit has been issued. In addition to unincorporated Snohomish County, outdoor burning is also prohibited at all times in the cities of Arlington, Brier, Edmonds, Everett, Granite Falls, Gold Bar, Index, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish, Stanwood, Sultan, and Woodway.

This restriction bans outdoor residential burning except for recreational and cooking fires.

Recreational fires:

• Are less than three feet in diameter and two feet high.
• Are used for cooking or pleasure within an approved fire pit.
• Contain burning material kept below the top of the fire pit enclosure.
• Shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure should not be ignited.
• Shall be monitored at all times.
• Must have a water source readily available. At a minimum, this means a charged water hose or a five-gallon bucket of water.

Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.

The ban will remain in effect through the month of August and may be extended in the event of continuing high fire danger conditions. If the burn ban is extended, a new release will be issued.

In the event of a “Red Flag Warning” all outdoor burning is prohibited, including recreational fires, until further notice. A Red Flag Warning is a forecast warning issued by the National Weather Service in the United States to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid spread. To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours.

In anticipation of dry weather conditions, we urge the public to use great caution before lighting any recreational fires since wildfires are a significant risk across the region. If you have any doubts about safety, please don’t burn. Contact our Outdoor Burning Information Hotline at 425-388-3508 for updated information.

Check this map to see if you are located within the Urban Growth (UGA)/No Burn Area.

Review a summary of the Marysville Fire District's burning guidelines here.

For updated BURN BAN information, call the Outdoor Burning Information Hotline at 425-388-3508.

Types of Burn Bans

Fire Safety burn bans may be issued for safety during hot and/or dry conditions. The Marysville Fire District follows fire safety bans issued by the Snohomish County Fire Marshal. If a burn ban is issued in Snohomish County, that ban is effective within the City of Marysville and the entire Marysville Fire District service area.

Air Quality burn bans are issued by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to protect air quality. These bans are usually enacted during cooler months when the air is stagnant but can also be issued due to smoky conditions during warmer seasons. Find more information on what types of burning are limited during an air quality burn ban here.

DNR burn bans are issued by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce human-caused wildfires during extremely hot and dry conditions. When a burn restriction is in place, outdoor fires are prohibited on all state, county, city and private land under DNR fire protection.

You can find updated information on all Snohomish County burn bans here.

Spring Gardening Tip: Creating a Defensible Space

As temperatures start to warm up, many of us are excited about spring gardening. While it’s the perfect time to start planning your garden, it’s also an important opportunity to think about fire safety. One effective way to protect your home from wildfires is by creating a defensible space around your property.

What is a defensible space?

A defensible space is a buffer zone between your home and any surrounding vegetation that could potentially fuel a fire. It’s designed to reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading to your home, as well as give firefighters a safer area to work if a fire occurs. In Western Washington, where wildfires are a growing concern, having a defensible space can be a crucial step in protecting your property. This space should be clear of any overgrown trees, shrubs, or tall grasses that could catch fire.

Steps to Create a Defensible Space While Gardening:

1. Clear Dead and Overgrown Vegetation: Now is the time to remove any dead leaves, branches, or fallen trees around your home. This dry, dead material is highly flammable and can act as fuel for a fire. Weed burners and other burning methods are not recommended for normal maintenance. Clear away dead plant matter from garden beds, lawns, and anywhere near structures. Recycle compostable materials. Before doing any burning of yard debris, check our website to make sure you are following local guidelines. 
2. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Make sure that tree branches are trimmed to at least 10 feet from the ground and are not touching your house. Prune away any branches that hang over roofs or chimneys. Many native plants in the Pacific Northwest, like firs and pines, can easily carry fire, so thinning them out helps slow its spread.
3. Create Defensible Zones with Non-Combustible Materials: Around your home, create firebreaks using non-flammable materials like gravel or stone. These can be used to create pathways or borders that will slow the progress of a fire. In your garden, avoid planting highly flammable species too close to your house. Native plants like Oregon grape or sword ferns, which are more resistant to fire, are a good option.
4. Maintain Irrigation and Moisture: During the spring, keep your garden watered. A well-hydrated landscape is much less likely to catch fire.
5. Clear Roof and Gutter Debris: Make sure to regularly clean your gutters and remove any debris that could catch fire. This is especially important if you live in an area with dense tree cover.

By incorporating these simple strategies into your spring gardening routine, you’ll be taking an important step toward safeguarding your home from wildfires. Creating a defensible space not only helps protect your property, but ensures that your home is better prepared for fire season. For more information, visit NFPA - Preparing homes for wildfire. Start early, stay proactive, and keep your garden both beautiful and safe!