Whatcom County Burn Ban Lifted

Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office will be lifting restrictions on all open burning starting 08:00am Friday, September 18, 2009.

EXCEPT
Due to The Whatcom Chief in Dry Dock, Fire District 11 (Lummi Island) remains in a Total Burn Ban, no outdoor burning including recreational fires. The reason the fire district is choosing to do this, is because without access to the island, no mutual aid services would be made available for them if necessary.Charcoal and Propane BBQs are allowed. The Whatcom Chief is expected to return to service on September 30th. The Fire district will evaluate fire danger conditions when the ferry returns to service.

Land clearing and yard debris burns are still banned in all cities and their UGA’s including Birch Bay and Columbia Valley. In all other areas land clearing and yard clean-up debris burning will be allowed. Fires over 4x4x3 feet tall require a written permit and a pre-inspection from the Fire Marshal’s Office. To request a pre-inspection please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 676-6907. Be sure to leave your name, number, and the address of your burn site.

For fires 4x4x3 feet tall and under a verbal permit is required. You may receive your verbal permit by calling the Burn Information Line (360) 676-6934 and listening to the regulations.   

Recreational fires are allowed in designated campgrounds and on improved properties with the landowner’s permission.  Recreational fires are fires that are less than 3 feet in diameter and are built in an approved fire enclosure.  To find out the requirements for an approved enclosure please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 676-6907.

Violations of burn regulations may result in a minimum $250.00 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.

Please be aware that Burn restrictions vary across the state. If you are planning on traveling out of county or state be sure to contact the local jurisdiction for outdoor burning restrictions.

If you have any questions on open burning in Whatcom County, please contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-676-6907.

Joe Bates
Whatcom County
voice: (360) 676-6707 x52510
voice: (360) 220-6654
311 Grand Ave
Bellingahm, Wa 98225
jbates@co.whatcom.wa.us

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