KENDALL, Wash. — Today, January 5, 2026, the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) canceled a Stage 2 burn ban for the Columbia Valley urban growth area, including Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments, citing “Air quality has improved at this time.” NWCAA told Whatcom News via email that this action leaves no burn ban in the area. A Stage 1 ban was issued December 29, 2025, followed by a Stage 2 ban on December 31, 2025.
NWCAA said, effective immediately, all burning is prohibited unless a wood stove is your only adequate source of heat in the Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) in Whatcom County.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency has canceled a Stage 2 air quality burn ban that started Dec. 29, 2025, in the Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) in Whatcom County.
Air quality has improved at this time, but NWCAA urges residents to limit indoor wood burning as much as possible to avoid another burn ban in the near future.
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Click for more informationBurn bans are based on weather forecasts and current air pollution from small particles. They are called when air quality is predicted to be worse than the national health-based standard for at least 24 hours.
Fine particles in wood smoke are harmful because they can be inhaled deeply into lungs and damage delicate tissues. Smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults age 65 and older.
– Northwest Clean Air Agency (January 5, 2026)
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