The Fire Danger Rating Area covering Benton county
A DNR burn ban covers state forests, state parks and private forestlands that DNR protects. Counties, fire districts and the Department of Ecology set their own rules for everything else.
Lower Basin FDRA
about 100% of the county (approximate)
· effective Sep 17, 2026
▲Partial Restrictions
Other combination described
Effective 09/17/2026: All campfires and rule burns are prohibited within DNR jurisdiction. DNR permit burning is allowed subject to the conditions of the permit. Prior to any burning, check with your local fire district and county as additional restrictions may be in place. Contact Department of Ecology or local Clean Air Authority to check if an air-quality burn ban is in place for your area. Fireworks, and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns or tracer ammunition are illegal on all DNR protected lands.
The wording in each area above is Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer's own, and it is the authority for
what you may burn on DNR-protected land. Two further systems apply on top:
Your county and fire district
They set their own outdoor burning rules and can go further than the state. Call your fire district before you burn.
Air-quality burn bans
The Department of Ecology and regional Clean Air Agencies call separate bans based on air quality. Those run on their own schedule.
Penalties in Washington
Fireworks and incendiary devices — exploding targets, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition — are illegal on all DNR-protected lands under RCW 76.04.455. Anyone who starts a wildfire can also be billed for the cost of suppression and held liable for property damage.
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Benton county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless
of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before
burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer and reports them unchanged.
Cities and municipalities within Benton county may impose stricter rules than the county order.
Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions.
When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status.
The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Benton county under a burn ban right now?
Partial restrictions apply. Washington's statewide rule limits when and where you can burn today. See the "What this means" module above for the specifics.
What can I still burn in Benton county?
Standard open burning is currently permitted, subject to any municipal ordinance in your area. Never leave a fire unattended, and keep water and a shovel nearby.
How do I report an illegal fire in Benton county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For a non-emergency burn-ban violation, you can also reach Washington DNR Wildfire Hotline at 1-800-562-6010 (for wildfires on DNR-protected land; other jurisdictions may have separate numbers), or contact the Benton Sheriff's Office.
