Burn ban kicks in 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. on Friday, June 9. 

All land clearing and yard debris burning must be discontinued on June 9, 2023 by 8 a.m. All issued burn permits will be suspended for land clearing and yard debris (residential) burning. 

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 three feet by three feet across, and must be a minimum 16 inches high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel. 
• Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an eight-inch-deep pit, surrounded by a four-inch-high enclosure of rocks. 
• Fires must be 25 feet from structures, timber, and combustible materials. 
• A charged garden hose or two five-gallon buckets full of water to be next to the fire. 
• A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire must be on-site. 
• Recreational fires are allowed after dark, if always attended by someone 16 years old or older. 
• Fires must be attended until out cold. 
• No burning when winds exceed seven miles per hour. 

Violations of these burn restrictions may result in a minimum $250 fine. In addition, if 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.