Whatcom County burn ban proactively announced

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Officials with the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office announced Monday, June 10th, they will be enacting Stage 1 Burn Ban restrictions on open burning throughout unincorporated Whatcom County starting at 8am on Monday, July 1st. This ban is expected to be lifted on Saturday, September 14th.

This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risk of fire hazards and protect the community and natural resources.
All land clearing and yard debris burning must be discontinued at that time and all issued burn permits are suspended.
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Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office (June 10, 2024)

Recreational fires will still be allowed with the landowner’s permission. Recreational fires must meet the following requirements.

must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3’ X 3’ across, and must be a minimum 16” high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel
beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8” deep pit, surrounded by 4” high enclosure of rocks
fires must be 25’ from structures, timber, and combustible materials
a charged garden hose or (2) 5-gallon buckets full of water to be next to the fire
a shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire to be on-site
recreational fires are allowed after dark, if attended by someone 16 years or older at all times
fires must be attended until out cold
no burning when winds exceed 7mph

Violations of burn restrictions can result in a minimum $250 fine. In addition, anyone with a fire that escapes or needs to be extinguished by a fire department, may be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs, as well as be criminally charged.

A similar permanent burn ban is in place within the following incorporated cities and urban growth areas (UGAs).