FAQ - Outdoor Burning

Q: May I burn my pine needles and tree trimmings?

A: Maybe – it depends on where you live. If you live outside areas in Spokane County that are designated as “No Burn,” then you may be eligible to burn yard & garden debris during an 8-day season in the spring of each year.  Click here for more information.

Q: I live in the City of Spokane. I’d like to purchase one of the new backyard patio/deck heaters that burn wood. Is using this type of device allowed?

A: Yes. In the city and throughout Spokane County, use of this type of device is allowed on private property. This activity falls under the “Recreational Fires” category, and there are rules regarding how and when you burn:

• Only approved fuel (clean, dry natural firewood, charcoal, natural gas or propane) may be used. It is illegal to burn paper, yard waste, and any other material.
• It may not be used for disposal purposes (e.g. household waste, yard debris).
• It must not “smoke out” your neighbors.
• It may not be used during an outdoor burning ban. Bans may be called by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency based on air quality conditions, or, by a fire marshall based on fire danger.

Click here for more information about the various outdoor burning programs in Spokane County, including recreational, yard & garden debris, agricultural, and land clearing burning.