CONTACT:    Joshua Cummings, Fire Marshal and Community Planning and Economic Development Department Director, (360) 754-4995 or joshua.cummings@co.thurston.wa.us  

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the County Manager, and in alignment with Washington State Department of Natural Resources, has determined current weather conditions within the county have met the fire danger level necessary to enact restrictions on outdoor burning to all lands regulated by Thurston County, including no longer allowing recreational fires.

The Fire Safety Burn Ban applies to residential yard waste burning, all land clearing burns, and recreational fires. The restrictions on outdoor burning during the summer have resulted in a significant drop in brush fires and property damage each of the past several years, according to fire officials.

At this time, recreational fires are no longer allowed. Campfires, recreational fires and charcoal briquettes are PROHIBITED. Cooking stoves, barbeques and recreational fire pits fueled by propane or gas with a shutoff valve are authorized. 

This heightened Thurston County Fire Safety Burn Ban is effective as of 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023, and ending if/when sustained weather conditions permit. 

To stay up-to-date on the status of burn bans, please visit the ORCAA website at www.orcaa.org or the WA Department of Natural Resources burn portal at https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov/. 

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