Thurston County is once again telling residents to cool it with most outdoor burning, with a countywide fire-safety burn ban taking effect Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The temporary order runs through Oct. 15 and halts residential yard-waste burning along with all land-clearing burns in unincorporated parts of the county. Small recreational campfires in approved fire rings, plus gas, charcoal and propane grills, are still allowed.
What the Ban Covers
The order shuts down yard-waste burning and all land-clearing burns in unincorporated areas, while still allowing properly built recreational fires on private property and in established rings at official campgrounds. Charcoal briquettes, gas and pellet grills, and propane barbecues are explicitly allowed under the restrictions. The county’s press release says the measures aim to cut down on brush fires and property damage during the dry season, according to Thurston County.
Why Officials Acted Now
Thurston County Fire Marshal Ashley Arai determined that weather and fuel conditions met the threshold for a fire-safety ban after consulting with local fire chiefs and state forestry officials. The move comes as officials point to elevated fire danger across Western Washington, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources uses those assessments to guide local restrictions. The Olympian reported on the county’s decision and its local context, and the state’s DNR details how burn restrictions are triggered.
How This Affects Residents and Where to Check
The ban affects homeowners who were planning to burn yard debris this summer, and those burns must stop until the county lifts the order or conditions change. Thurston County’s burn ban information page lays out what is and is not allowed and includes links to resources and contact information, and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency maintains maps and guidance for checks on parcels and air-quality-related restrictions. For the latest status and details, see burn ban information from Thurston County and maps and guidance from Olympic Region Clean Air Agency.
Safety Tips and Next Steps
If you see an out-of-control burn, call 911 immediately and give dispatch a clear location. Keep grills and small recreational fires attended, avoid burning yard waste, and check official county and ORCAA pages before planning any open-flame activity this summer. The Olympia Fire Department also shared the county announcement on Facebook.
