Health

King County Issues Countywide Stage 2 Burn Ban

Joy Ale
August 9, 2026

The King County Fire Chiefs Association issued a Stage 2 burn ban across the entire county on Thursday, effective immediately, citing the consistent hot and dry weather and elevated fire risk.

All outdoor fires are prohibited under the order, including recreational campfires, cooking fires and ceremonial fires. Residents may still use gas and charcoal grills, fire pits and fire tables, provided they sit on concrete surfaces. Fire officials asked people to take particular care disposing of charcoal ashes.

The association is coordinating with King County fire marshals and local officials to monitor weather and wildfire conditions on an ongoing basis. No date has been set for lifting the ban.

Meanwhile, five Bellevue firefighters have been deployed to assist with wildfires across Washington and Oregon. Three of them, along with the city’s brush fire truck, are working the fires in Spokane.

JA

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