Burn ban lifted in parts of the county

Cooler temperatures and rainy weather have brought an ease on restrictions for outdoor burning in some unincorporated areas of Whatcom County.

Starting on September 14, the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office made verbal and written burn permits available, which are required for all outdoor fires unless they’re legal recreational fires. Since July, all land clearing and yard debris burning has been prohibited in unincorporated areas.

Not all jurisdictions lifted outdoor burn restrictions, according to the statement. Residents in Lummi Island and Sandy Point should contact local fire districts for rules on outdoor burning. For all cities and Urban Growth Areas, including Blaine and parts of Birch Bay, open burning is prohibited.

“Please use extreme caution,” read the statement. “Vegetation is still recovering from the long stretch of dry weather and is susceptible to fire spread.”

To learn more, contact the outdoor burning information line at 360/778-5903 or visit whatcomcounty.us/fire-marshal.