What’s officially happening in Mason County. No rumors, no spin — every item links straight to its source.
Mason County · Burn Status
Recreational fires are allowed again — residential and land-clearing burns are still off
Mason County has partially lifted its burn restrictions. With the National Fire Danger Rating down to “Moderate,” the county lifted the ban on recreational fires only, effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 18. Restrictions on residential and land-clearing burns remain in effect — the county says it expects to lift those soon, but has not announced a date.
The details
Recreational fires: allowed since Sept. 18.
Residential & land-clearing burns: still restricted.
Questions: Fire Marshal, 360-427-9670 ext. 309.
Downtown Shelton named an Opportunity Zone 2.0 tract
Governor Ferguson has designated a Mason County census tract — covering downtown Shelton and extending to the Johns Prairie Industrial Park — as part of the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program, the Mason County Economic Development Council announced Monday. The designation is meant to draw private investment toward industrial and manufacturing expansion, workforce and affordable housing, childcare and healthcare services, small business growth, and infrastructure.
It follows Mason EDC’s recent designation as a 2027 Washington State Main Street Program Affiliate. Shelton City Manager Mark Ziegler called the selection “a tremendous win for Shelton,” saying it can support local businesses, create jobs, and expand housing choices. The City of Shelton, Port of Shelton, PUD 3, and the Evergreen Coast EDD are partners in the effort.
The details
Tract: downtown Shelton to Johns Prairie Industrial Park.
Contact: Karin Leaf, Interim Executive Director, Mason EDC — 360-426-2276.
Mason 13’s last state audit came back clean — and the next one lands this fall
Mason County Fire District 13’s first Accountability Audit by the Washington State Auditor’s Office — an in-depth review of the district’s practices and policies covering 2020 through 2022, concluded in February 2024 — reported zero findings. Auditors sampled commissioner meeting minutes, employee contracts, paid vouchers, and the purchase agreement for the district’s new fire engine.
The district’s next accountability audit is scheduled for fall 2026, at an estimated cost of $9,000 plus travel — so residents can expect a fresh report on the district’s books in the coming months.
The details
Last audit: 2020–2022, zero findings, concluded Feb. 2024 (cost to the district: about $8,000).
Next audit: scheduled fall 2026, estimated $9,000 plus travel.
Edition No. 2 — Monday, October 12, 2026: Squaxin Island Tribe marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day; low-cost roundabout coming to Brockdale / Island Lake / Batstone Cutoff.