Kittitas County Will End Burn Ban on September 30

The local and statewide burn bans will expire on September 30, 2026, allowing residents to resume open and recreational fires.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Safety

Isometric editorial illustration of a dense forest floor composed of clean geometric blocks and moss-covered ground elements. — Kittitas County and Washington state officials will lift seasonal burn bans at noon on September 30, following improved moisture levels in local wildfire fuels. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now the right time for your community to lift seasonal burn bans?

Kittitas County and Washington state will lift their respective burn bans at noon on September 30, 2026. The decision follows improvements in the moisture content of wildfire fuels and more favorable humidity levels across the region.

Why it matters

The lifting of these restrictions allows residents to safely resume recreational fires and open burning as seasonal wildfire risks diminish. County officials synchronized the local timeline with the statewide mandate to ensure consistent safety messaging for the public.

Restrictions end for recreational fires and open burning across the county and state. The shift is based on verified improvements in local wildfire fuel moisture content and ambient relative humidity levels.

The players

Fire Marshal

The Fire Marshal is the official responsible for overseeing fire safety regulations and enforcing burn bans to mitigate wildfire risks.

The details

The Fire Marshal announced the transition on September 28, 2026, confirming that the change applies to all areas within the county. Cities including Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas, and South Cle Elum will permit recreational burning starting at noon on the specified date.

September 28, 2026: The Fire Marshal announced the end of burning restrictions.
September 30, 2026: Burn bans in the county and state officially conclude at noon.

Seasonal Patterns

The transition aligns with the Washington state seasonal burn ban mandate, which standardizes fire safety protocols throughout the year. This move follows established regional safety patterns as fire danger decreases in late September.

Residents in Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas, and South Cle Elum may resume recreational fires beginning at noon on September 30. Ensure that all local fire safety guidelines are followed even after restrictions are lifted to prevent accidental ignitions.

The takeaway

The end of the burn ban signals a return to seasonal norms for outdoor fire use as environmental conditions stabilize. Residents should remain vigilant and continue practicing responsible fire management to maintain community safety.