Island County Sheriff's Office

3 days ago ·

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Island County Reduces Burn Ban from Level II to Level I

September 17, 2026

Coupeville, WA — Island County Fire Marshal Sheriff Rick Felici announced today that, effective 7:00 am on 9/18/2026, Island County will reduce the current Level II Burn Ban to a Level I Burn Ban.

The decision follows an assessment of current weather conditions, fuel moisture levels, and fire danger throughout Island County. While conditions have improved sufficiently to allow the reduction in the burn ban level, the risk of wildfire remains elevated and residents are urged to continue exercising caution with any source of ignition.

What Changes Under a Level I Burn Ban

Under a Level I Burn Ban:

• Outdoor burning of natural debris remains prohibited, including yard debris and land-clearing fires, even with a burn permit.

• Recreational fires are allowed in approved fire pits, provided all applicable fire-safety requirements are followed.

• Propane or briquette barbecue grills and self-contained camp stoves may be used.

• All fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished before being left unattended.

• Residents should carefully consider current weather and wind conditions before starting any recreational fire.

The reduction from Level II does not mean that normal outdoor burning has resumed. Residents must continue to comply with all applicable Island County, state, and air-quality regulations and obtain permits when required.

Conditions have improved enough for us to reduce the burn ban, and we recognize that residents appreciate having recreational fires available again, However, we are not out of the woods yet. We remain in a period of elevated fire danger, and one unattended or improperly managed fire can quickly become a serious incident. Please continue using good judgment and take the necessary precautions.

Island County will continue to monitor weather conditions, fuel moisture, fire activity, and available firefighting resources. The burn-ban level may be increased or reduced as conditions change.

Burn Safely

Residents are reminded that:

• Burning garbage and the use of burn barrels are illegal statewide.

• Recreational fires must be kept within an approved fire pit and within applicable size limits.

• Fires should never be left unattended.

• Keep water and appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment readily available.

• Do not burn during windy conditions or when conditions could allow embers to escape.

• Completely extinguish fires with water and ensure they are cold to the touch before leaving the area.

• Never leave children or pets unattended around a fire.

Residents with questions regarding outdoor burning and permits should contact Island County Public Health at 360-679-7350 or the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617.

Additional information regarding outdoor burning and current burn-ban conditions is available from Island County Outdoor Burning.

Sheriff Rick Felici

Island County Fire Marshal

1 NE 7th Street

Coupeville, WA 98239

(360) 678-4422