WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Warm dry weather is expected to remain and with it comes a burn ban.
The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office is banning open burning in unincorporated parts of the county beginning this Friday at 5 p.m.
Recreational fires will still be permitted with landowners’ permission and in approved enclosures.
Recreational fires must meet the following requirements:
• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3’ X 3’ across, and must be a minimum 16” high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel.
• Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8” deep pit, surrounded by 4” high enclosure of rocks.
• Fires must be 25’ from structures, timber, and combustible materials.
• A charged garden hose or (2) 5-gallon buckets full of water to 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 at all times.
• Fires must be attended until out cold.
• No burning when winds exceed 7 MPH.
Violations may result in a minimum $250.00 fine. In addition, if you have a fire that escapes or needs to be extinguished by the fire department, you may be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs and could be criminally charged.
If you have any questions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County, please contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-778-5900 or the Outdoor Burning Information Line: 360-778-5903.
More details on the burn ban can be found at Whatcom County’ website.