Summer is the time of the year when many people want to have an outdoor fire. The Maple Valley Fire Department released local regulations and definitions when it comes to burning.

• Debris removal fire: A fire that does not exceed three feet in diameter where natural vegetation such as branches are burned. These small debris fires do not require a permit in the Maple Valley Fire response area. Residents who want to have a larger fire can receive a permit at any local fire station.
• Burn barrels: The use of burn barrels is not allowed at any time.
• Recreational fire: A small outdoor fire, which is no more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height that is not contained in a fireplace, BBQ grill or BBQ pit. Recreational fires are typically for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. No permit is required.

Recreational fires must be located at least 50 feet from any flammable materials such a home, wood deck or wood fence and must have a means to extinguish the fire nearby, such as a garden hose.

Bon fires: Any fire larger than debris or recreational fires. Bon fires are not allowed in the response area.

Portable fireplaces and Chimneys: These types of small devices which can be purchased at home improvement stores are permitted but must be located at least 15 feet from combustible materials.

Those wishing to burn are required to ensure that there are no burn bans in effect. The two agencies that can issue burn bans are:

• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at pscleanair.org
• King County Fire Marshal office at kingcounty.gov

Regardless of the type of fire, only natural wood, manufactured logs, or charcoal can be burned. Dimensional lumber, wood with paint or stains and any man-made materials are not allowed.

It is the responsibility of the person doing the burning to minimize the amount of smoke produced by the fire and monitor it at all times. If neighbors complain about the smoke, the fire must be extinguished immediately.

MVFD want the public to consider using a propane or natural gas powered fireplace or other type of outdoor burner. These gasses are safe, burn cleanly and are not subject to the same regulations as wood burning devices.