Washington State Fire Feature Rules Overview
Washington homeowners in the Puget Sound region face wood-burning curtailment days managed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). Eastern Washington has a separate program managed by the Eastern Washington Air Pollution Control Authority (YRCAA/EAPCA), with generally fewer curtailment days due to different air quality conditions.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
PSCAA covers King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties. Curtailment days run October through March and ban wood burning in residential fireplaces, fire pits, and outdoor wood stoves when stagnant air or poor air quality is forecast. Check pscleanair.gov or sign up for alerts. Gas fire features are not restricted.
Washington State Fire Code
Washington adopts the International Fire Code with state amendments. Building permits for permanent fire features are issued by city and county building departments. Gas work requires a licensed plumber or gas piping specialty contractor. Washington's Department of Labor and Industries regulates contractor licensing.
Western Washington Lot Sizes
Many Seattle-area neighborhoods have small lots where the 25-foot recreational fire setback can be difficult to achieve for open fire pits. Enclosed portable units (qualifying for the 15-foot setback) and gas fire features are common solutions. Verify which IFC edition your specific city has adopted before relying on the 15-foot portable provision.