Certified Burner Program
Department of Natural Resources to Hold Public Hearing for Proposed Rulemaking for Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Program
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public hearing from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on May 28 at the Hal Homes Community Center in Ellensburg to gather comments regarding proposed rulemaking for the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Program (CPBM) as outlined in the Revised Code of Washington 76.04.183.
The hearing will provide an opportunity for oral comments to be received by the agency; written and electronic comments are encouraged and will also be accepted and included in the record. The hearing is intended to collect feedback from the public before DNR finalizes its rule language. A virtual option will be made available for those who cannot attend in person, please email Kyle at the contact information below for the link to the virtual meeting.
The rule language can be found here: https://dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/em_rule_burnmanager_cr102.pdf. Instructions for providing written comments and for requesting assistance or accommodation for persons with disabilities or translation needs can be found on the first page of the document.
Please contact CPBM Manager Kyle Lapham at kyle.lapham@dnr.wa.gov or 360-485-8580 with questions prior to the hearing.
The Washington State Legislature granted DNR the authority to establish a certified burner program in 2018 when it adopted House Bill 2733.
DNR launched the program in the spring of 2022 to help educate professionals and private citizens gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully implement prescribed fire on their landscapes. Program Manager Kyle Lapham and recent graduate Lucas King recently participated in a webinar about the program.
The multi-day workshops happen 2-3 times each year in different parts of the state. Instruction include both classroom and field work. More information about upcoming workshops can be found below.
How to Become a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager in Washington State
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources offers three-day, in-person courses several times each year. Coursework includes four hours of prep work before the class, two days of classroom instruction, a site visit, and a final exam. Topics include fire behavior, smoke management, safety, and more. Participants must have experience leading either pile or broadcast burns. Access to property suitable for prescribed fire is required for certification.
The next step after finishing the course and passing the exam is to draft a burn plan.
Burn plans must include:
- Landowner name and address
- Description of the burn area
- Map of the burn area
- Estimated fuel tonnage per acre
- Objectives of the proposed burn
- Acceptable weather parameters
- Summary of methods to start, control, and extinguish the burn
- Neighbor notifications
Once a burn plan is completed, a prospective certified burner must obtain all necessary burn permits and authorizations from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Make sure to notify nearby residents and emergency response agencies about the upcoming burn. The final step is to successfully lead and implement a prescribed fire under observation by the CPBM program manager.
Burn leaders will be evaluated using this form, as well as on their burn plan and a map of the burn. Courses are held in different locations throughout Washington. Cost to attend is $100 and does not include travel expenses. Interested in applying for an upcoming course? contact Program Manager Kyle Lapham.
Upcoming courses
Spring 2026: June 2-4 at Spokane Falls Community College. Click here to enroll.
Fall 2026: Dates and location TBD.
