Burn Permits

 

 

About Burn Permits

Burn permits are issued from early October, weather dependent, through May 31st.  Extensions may be issued by the Fire Marshal's Office if moisture levels permit. From July to September, no burn permits are issued and all outdoor burning is closed with the exception of campfires. Even through we live in a beautiful green area and are surrounded by water, there is still a very real fire danger during the summer and fall.

Remember: "ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES".

​

Residential Burn Permits

During the open burning season, permits are required for residential and commercial-size burn piles.  Residential burns may be up to ten-feet in diameter.  
Permits cost $20 and are valid from October through May.  

​​

How to Apply for a Residential Burn Permit

1) Apply for a burn permit online via the County website: Online Permit Center. For help troubleshooting the permit center application, click the following link: Burn Permit Instructions

​

2) Apply for a burn permit with a paper form by downloading the Burn Permit Application. Then, you can drop it off in person or send it via mail along with your $20 check.

• Mail: San Juan County DCD, PO Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

• In person: Drop it and a check for $20 in the DCD drop box at the San Juan County Courthouse, or at the DCD office at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor.

• Note: Please allow 10 days to process your paper burn permit application.

​

Commercial Burn Permits

Effective October 27, 2025, Commercial Burn Permits are open in San Juan County.

Commercial burns include yard debris and vegetation in piles greater than 10 feet in diameter. Commercial burns are typically conducted by contractors to reduce the amount of waste created by large land clearing operations or while developing sites in San Juan County.  

 

Commercial burn permits cost $300 (a convenience fee of $7.50 will be added to payments by credit or debit card).  A water supply and heavy equipment, such as an excavator, are required on site, and a site inspection must be conducted by representatives of the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office or the local Fire Protection Districts prior to issuing the permit.  The Fire Marshal or an authorized representative of the Fire Marshal’s Office will determine the allowable size of the burn based on weather forecasts, geographical and topographical influences, and other factors, including but not limited to the type of materials in the burn piles, proximity to adjacent properties or vegetation, and the number of piles throughout the property. 

​

Permits are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. However, an extension may be requested when an applicant is unable to burn within the 30-day period due to extenuating circumstances. Each extension will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No commercial burning is allowed after May 31st. Hazardous materials dumped or poured onto or mixed with debris and vegetation are prohibited.

​

Learn more here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1096/Open-Burn-Info

 

For questions on how to apply for your burn permit,

call: 360-378-2216 

 

For questions related to specific fire and life safety and fire protection,

call the Fire Marshal at: (360) 472-3713

​

For more information on burning in San Juan County, visit the Fire Marshal’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1088/Fire-Marshal.