Current Fire Danger: MODERATE
The Jefferson County Fire Marshal and the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs are responsible for ensuring community safety by reducing fire risks and protecting residents, firefighters, emergency responders, property, and other community assets.
Under Jefferson County Code (JCC) 8.72.040, the County automatically enters a MODERATE (Blue) fire danger level each year from July 1 through September 30. Due to current atmospheric and observed field conditions, this designation is being implemented early for the 2026 fire season, with the MODERATE level taking effect on May 8, 2026.
After reviewing fire behavior indicators and environmental conditions, the County Fire Chiefs and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal have jointly determined that elevating the fire danger level is necessary. This decision is based on information and forecasts provided by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and other state, federal, and local partner agencies.
MODERATE Fire Danger Restrictions and Guidance:
- The following activities are prohibited: burn barrels, land‑clearing or yard‑debris burning, and sky lanterns.
- Recreational fires are allowed in permanent or portable barbecues, outdoor fireplaces, or grills.
Portable fire pits, fireplaces, and chimineas are allowed when placed on non‑combustible surfaces, or when surrounding combustible material is cleared down to mineral soil for at least 1.5 feet around the device. - Only natural wood may be used, and fuel must not extend outside the device.
- All fires must be constantly attended until fully extinguished.
In summary, recreational burning, or “campfires,” are allowed during a MODERATE fire danger level, and all barbecue appliances may continue to be used. Large brush, yard‑debris, and land‑clearing fires remain restricted until a LOW fire danger level is re‑established.
For more information, please refer to the Jefferson County Fire Marshal announcement at https://co.jefferson.wa.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/1723
