Whatcom County fire ban increases to stage 2

Due to increasingly dry weather conditions, and the increase of Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire danger to high, the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office has ordered a stage 2 burn ban placing restrictions on all open burning.

Effective July 7, all open burning is prohibited in unincorporated Whatcom County until further notice.

This ban is in conjunction with statewide outdoor burning restrictions enacted by DNR for all state-protected lands and the US Forest Service burn ban. All outdoor burning is prohibited during this ban, including yard debris fires, land clearing fires and recreational fires. Propane fire pits without solid wood burning material will still be allowed, along with propane BBQs. The use of charcoal BBQs or charcoal fire pits is not allowed. Wood burning fire pits or similar enclosures with grates or screens are not considered barbecues and therefore are not allowed.

Residents who live within a tribal or city boundary should contact the fire agency in their jurisdiction for specific restrictions. Also, contact any campgrounds, as well as DNR, and the U.S. Forest Service to learn about restrictions in those areas.

Violations of these burn restrictions can result in a minimum $250 fine.

In addition, if an illegal fire escapes or needs to be extinguished by the fire department, people may be held financially and criminally responsible.

These outdoor burning restrictions may be reduced as weather and fire danger dictates.

For questions on open burning in Whatcom County, contact the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office at 360/778-5900 or listen to current burn ban information on the Whatcom County Burn Information Line at 360/778-5903.

Courtesy of the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office.