LUMMI ISLAND, Wash. — The annual dry dock for the Whatcom Chief this year is scheduled for April 26, 2025, through May 11, 2025. and the vehicle ferry will be replaced by a passenger-only ferry. As a result, outdoor burning will be restricted on Lummi Island beginning Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Each year the Whatcom Chief vehicle ferry spends 2 to 3 weeks in dry dock to undergo annual maintenance and during that time is replaced by a passenger-only ferry. For years, this had been scheduled during the latter half of September when burn bans were typically already in place. Now, with dry docks being scheduled in the spring, extra steps need to be taken according to Whatcom County Fire District 11 Fire Chief Michael Lish.
Due to this temporary inability to get additional firefighting apparatus and equipment to the island in the event of a fire, Whatcom County Fire District 11 (WCFD11), which serves Lummi Island, has announced outdoor burning restrictions typically associated with HIGH fire danger situations. These are being implemented during the entire dry dock period.
WCFD11 Fire Chief Michael Lish told Whatcom News that all written permits will be postponed during the entire dry dock period. All fires must be less than four feet and will require a general permit. General permits are available at the Islander Store and at the WCFD11 website.
The Whatcom County Ferry Division’s dry dock webpage has details including the passenger-only ferry schedule, parking and shuttle van information.
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