Fire Risk & Burn Permits

Fire Risk in San Juan County is low and Burn Permits go on sale October 1st. 

Permits will be available for sale on October 1st. Permits will be available in person during business hours at the main fire stations on Lopez, Orcas, Shaw, and San Juan. Permits can also be purchased in person at the San Juan County Department of Community Development.

Online permits can be purchased by following this link.

Please read all of your burn permit and follow the burning rules that are outlined on the permit. 

Stay Safe. 

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About Burn Permits

Burn permits are issued from early October, weather dependent, through May 31st, extensions may be issued by the Fire Marshal's Office if moisture levels permit. July through September is the time when no burn permits are issued and all outdoor burning is closed with the exception of campfires. Even through we live in a beautiful green area and are surrounded by water, there is still a very real fire danger during the summer and fall.

Remember: "ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES".

Residential Burn Permits 

 
 
Residential Burn Permits During the open burning season, permits are required for residential and commercial-size burn piles.  Residential burns may be up to ten-feet in diameter.  

Permits cost $20 and are valid from October through May.  During the burning season, permits can be purchased here or in person from the headquarters fire stations on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands, and the DCD office (Office of the Fire Marshal).

Commercial Burn Permits



Residential Burn PermitsCommercial permits are needed for larger burns.  Heavy equipment - such as an excavator - is required to be on scene.  Commercial permits cost $250 and are valid for 30 days.

Commercial permits are not available online because a site inspection is required prior to the issuance of a commercial burn permit.

During the open burning season, you can request a burn pile inspection by selecting "Request Inspection" on the menu bar near the top of this page.