Burn permits now open in San Juan County

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Effective October 6, 2025, the San Juan County fire danger level has been downgraded to the LOW level. As such, residential burn permits are now open and available to purchase. 

Residential burn permits are valid from time of purchase until May 31st, 2026. Residential permits are $20 and become available for purchase on October 6th. 

How to Apply for a Residential Burn Permit

1) Apply for a burn permit online via the County website: Online Permit Center. For help troubleshooting the permit center application, click the following link: Burn Permit Instructions

2) Apply for a burn permit with a paper form by downloading the Burn Permit Application. Then, you can drop it off in person or send it via mail along with your $20 check.

• Mail: San Juan County DCD, PO Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• In person: Drop it and a check for $20 in the DCD drop box at the San Juan County Courthouse, or at the DCD office at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor.
• Note: Please allow 10 days to process your paper burn permit application.

Commercial burn permits will open in a few weeks, pending updated weather reports. Commercial burn permits are $300, require heavy equipment, water on site, and field inspection prior to burning. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1096/Open-Burn-Info 

Burning is not available in Urban Growth Areas (UGA.) These can be viewed by following this link: Community Development Maps 

For questions on how to apply for your burn permit, call: 360-378-2216 

For questions related to specific fire and life safety and fire protection, call the Fire Marshal at: (360) 472-3713

For more information on burning in San Juan County, visit the Fire Marshal’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1088/Fire-Marshal.