Stage 1 burn ban in effect through unincorporated Whatcom County

Posted

Due to the warm weather conditions ahead and decreasing fuel moisture levels, Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office enacted restrictions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County on July 16.

Land clearing and yard debris burning must be discontinued and issued burn permits are suspended. Recreational fires will be allowed with the landowner’s permission.

Recreational fires need to meet the following requirements:

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

• Fires can only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal;

• Fires must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3-feet-by-3-feet across, at least 16 inches tall and made of cement blocks, stones or steel.

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

• A charged garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets full of water must 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.

• Fires must be attended until out cold.

• No burning when winds exceed 7 mph.

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

People must inquire about outdoor burning restrictions if their property lies within or are visiting property fire protected by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a federal parks agency or forest agency.

County residents in Point Roberts, Lummi Island and Sandy Point must check with fire districts for outdoor burning restrictions and outdoor burning permits.

For questions, contact 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 of Whatcom Fire Marshal’s Office

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here


OUR PUBLICATIONS