■Burn Ban in EffectMost restrictive fire-danger area
Open burning is currently prohibited in Whitman county. The order took effect on August 7, 2026 (DNR-protected land only — county and fire-district rules apply on top).
The Fire Danger Rating Area covering Whitman 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.
Upper Basin FDRA
about 100% of the county (approximate)
· effective Sep 11, 2026
■Burn Ban in Effect
Rule Permit and Recreation burns are banned
Effective September 11, 2026, at 12:01am: Fire danger rating in Upper Basin FDRA is HIGH. All debris burning on DNR jurisdiction is prohibited. This includes rule burning and permit burning. Campfires are prohibited. Contact the county for information on recreation burning on improved property. Contact Department of Ecology to check if an air-quality ban is in place for your area.
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.
One email when Whitman county's status changes — nothing else. No newsletter, no marketing.
One-click unsubscribe.
Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Whitman 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.
Product links on this page are Amazon affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, burnbanradar earns from
qualifying purchases. This never changes the price you pay or which county status we show. See our
affiliate disclosure.
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 Whitman 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 Whitman county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Whitman county is currently under a burn ban issued by Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer, effective since August 7, 2026. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Whitman burn ban start?
The Washington DNR — Burn Bans layer order took effect on August 7, 2026 (DNR-protected land only — county and fire-district rules apply on top). It stays in effect until conditions improve or the order is formally lifted.
What can I still burn in Whitman county during this ban?
During a burn ban, small cooking fires (grills, camp stoves) typically remain allowed. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and trash is prohibited. Consult the county order or fire marshal for exceptions — some jurisdictions permit specific commercial activities.
How do I report an illegal fire in Whitman 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 Whitman Sheriff's Office.
