Air quality burn ban upgraded to Stage 2 in Kendall area, again

KENDALL, Wash. — Today, January 19, 2025, the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) issued a Stage 2 burn ban for the Columbia Valley urban growth area, including Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments, “because cold, calm air is preventing harmful wood smoke from clearing out.” This is an upgrade from a Stage 1 issued January 16, 2026.

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 burn ban in Whatcom County’s Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) has been elevated to Stage 2. Cold, stagnant air conditions are preventing harmful wood smoke from clearing out.

During this Stage 2 burn ban, all indoor burning is prohibited in any wood-burning fireplaces, woodstoves, fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified), or pellet stoves unless a woodstove is your only adequate source of heat.

No outdoor fires of any kind are allowed. This includes burning of yard waste, land clearing, agricultural burning, and forest burning, plus recreational fires in devices like backyard fire kettles, chimneys, and fire pits.

Burn ban violators could face fines and other enforcement actions. Remember that it is illegal to produce excess smoke that impacts your neighbors. It is always illegal to burn trash.These burning limits will remain in effect until further notice. Check NWCAA’s website (https://nwcleanairwa.gov/) and NWCAA’s Facebook page for up-to-date information.

– Northwest Clean Air Agency (January 19, 2026)

No estimate was given for how long the burn ban would remain in effect.