Effective July 1, 2008:

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has banned the outdoor burning of landclearing debris in all of Pierce County.

Why is Landclearing Burning Banned?

Health & Air Quality Concerns:

• Smoke from landclearning burn piles is composed of fine particles and a toxic mix of other carcinogens that are hazardous to human health.
• These fine particles are easily inhaled, bypassing the immune system and proceeding deep into lungs, where they can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including premature death.
• Current levels are higher than the health goal established by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's Board of Directors.

Review of State Law:

• Washington State Law, WAC 173-425-040(5), requires state and local governments to determine whether outdoor burning should continue to be allowed. In 2008, the Puget Sound Clear Air Agency (PSCAA) considered public health issues and determined that burning should not be allowed.
• PSCAA held a series of open houses - including two in Pierce County - in February 2008. Their Board of Directors adopted the burn ban regulation in an open public meeting on February 28, 2008.

For more information:

• Visit the PSCAA's 'Why Wood Smoke is Harmful to your Health' website

What is Yardwaste?

Leaves, clippings, trimmings and other yard and garden refuse originating on land immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling, and burned on such land by the property owner and his or her designee.

Is Yardwaste burning allowed?

Burning of yardwaste is only allowed in rural Pierce County, outside the urban growth management boundary.

Is a yardwaste ban coming in the future?

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has proposed to ban yardwaste burning by 2010. Their Board of Directors has not taken action on that proposal.