Burn ban lowered to stage 1 in unincorporated Whatcom County

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Due to the increase in fuel moisture levels and recent rain, the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office is allowing recreational fires again. The modified burning restrictions went into effect September 3 for unincorporated Whatcom County. All other outdoor burning is still banned, including yard debris and land-clearing fires.

For current outdoor burning information, call 360/778-5903 or visit the fire marshal’s website at bit.ly/3DUMWE9. The requirements for a recreational fire and updated outdoor burning information are available on this line.

Check with state and federal agencies regarding bans in those areas before burning. If your property falls under the jurisdiction and protection of the Department of Natural Resources, call 800/323-BURN for burn permit information.

Remember recreational fire requirements as outdoor burning restrictions are reduced:

• Up to 3-by-3 feet of seasoned firewood or charcoal only

• Must have enclosure 16 inches tall, made of steel or masonry/rockery

• 25 feet from structures, timber and combustible material

• 15 feet of overhead clearance required

• Garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets of water at fire site

• Hand tools required onsite

• Allowed after dark if attended until fire is out cold

• No burning when winds exceed 7 mph

Please use extreme caution. This amount of rain will dry quickly if the weather warms again in the coming days and weeks.

Burn restriction violations can result in a minimum $250 fine. In addition, if you have an illegal fire that escapes or needs to be extinguished by the fire department, you may be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs and may be criminally charged for reckless burning.

If you have any questions about open burning in Whatcom County that were not answered by the burning information line, contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360/778-5900.

Courtesy Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office

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