County stage one burn ban goes into effect June 9

Due to the warm weather conditions ahead and decreasing fuel moisture levels, the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office will be enacting restrictions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County starting at 8 a.m. Friday, June 9. 

Land clearing and yard debris burning must be discontinued at that time and all issued burn permits are suspended. 

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 feet by 3 feet across, and must be a minimum of 16 inches high, made of cement blocks, stones or steel;

• Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8-inch deep pit, surrounded by 4-inch high enclosure of rocks;

• Fires must be 25 feet from structures, timber and combustible materials;

• A charged garden hose or two 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 7 mph.

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

People who own or are visiting property that is fire protected by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), federal parks or forest agency must contact those organizations about outdoor burning restrictions. 

If you have any questions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County, contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360/778-5900 or visit whatcomcounty.us/firemarshal. People must phone the outdoor burning information line, 360/778-5903, every time they burn in Whatcom County. 

Courtesy Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office