Because the City of Duvall and some immediate surrounding area is relatively populated, it has been defined by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency as an Urban Growth Area. This definition strictly limits outdoor burning. The only outdoor burning allowed is defined as a "recreational fire"; cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood (dry) that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. They must be limited in size to three feet in diameter and two feet tall.

Outside of the Urban Growth Area, the following rules apply:

• Only natural vegetation in its natural state may be burned and only in the form of leaves, clippings, prunings, and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such property by the property owner or his or her designee (RCW 70.94.750). No stumps or trunk wood (land clear burning is no longer allowed). No lumber or wood products.
• Any burn pile greater than four feet in diameter requires a current permit on site. A burn pile up to 15 feet in diameter may be allowed. Permits can be picked up at the Headquarters Fire Station at 15600 First Ave NE in Duvall, Monday through Friday during business hours. There is no cost.
• Any outdoor fire must be attended by a responsible person. You are responsible for any damage caused by your fire getting out of control.
• Please be considerate of your neighbors. Try to burn in a way that will minimize the impact on others in the area. The hotter a fire burns, the less smoke that it puts out. Let material dry for a time before burning. Consider using a fan to help the material burn hotter. Burn when the wind will take smoke away from neighbors.
• Above all, burn safely. Do not use accelerants such as gasoline to start fires. Make sure there is adequate clearance between your fire and structures or other combustible materials. Have a water supply handy. Avoid burning in very windy weather. Avoid burning in very dry weather. BURN BANS

There are typically two conditions in which burn bans are implemented; poor air quality and hot, dry weather. In either event, no outdoor burning is allowed inside or outside the urban growth area.

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency determines burn bans due to air quality. They typically happen when clear, cold, sunny weather occurs for several days in the winter. The build up of pollutants from cars and woodstoves with no wind or rain to cleanse the air can lead to potentially unhealthy air quality. Call 1-800-595-4341 for air quality information or check the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website.

Burn bans due to dry weather conditions may be implemented at the local, county, or state level. Typically, outdoor burning is suspended from mid-July to mid-September in this area, depending on weather conditions. You may call 425-788-1625 or check this website for updated burn ban information.