King County has issued a Stage 2 burn ban, which blocks all outdoor burning, including beach fires at Golden Gardens and Alki.
Beach fires are normally allowed at Golden Gardens, which has several fire pits that are used throughout the summer.
The burn ban was elevated to Stage 2 on August 7 due to critically high fire danger in the county.
Stage 2 is a total ban on all outdoor fires, including recreational and ceremonial fires.
King County says it’s still okay to use gas and charcoal grills, natural gas or propane appliances like patio warmers, and wood pellet smokers. They add that used coals must be disposed of properly by dousing them with water, placing them in a metal container, and then sealing the container with a tight-fitting lid. When coals have cooled fully, place them in a regular trash bin.
Fires have been especially bad this summer in Washington, including in Spokane, where several fires burned over 800 homes and displaced thousands of residents (see here how you can help fire victim relief efforts).
Seattle’s air quality was heavily impacted by wildfire smoke last week, prompting cancellations of outdoor events, including the Ballard Commons outdoor movie.
You can keep an eye on the burn ban status on King County’s website.