WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – The Whatcom’s County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to use extreme caution this weekend when they’re using fireworks or a recreational fire.
Fireworks regulations vary between unincorporated areas and cities in Whatcom County but throughout the county they are only legal at these times:
o July 3rd: 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM
o July 4th: 6:00 PM until 12:00 midnight
o July 5th: 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM
Due to the recent excessive heat, a burn ban has been enacted for all unincorporated Whatcom County.
Recreational fires are still allowed with landowner’s permission but must meet the following requirements:
o Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
o Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3′ X 3′ across, and must be a minimum of 16″ high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel.
o Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8″ deep pit, surrounded by a 4″ high enclosure of rocks.
o Fires must be 25′ from structures, timber, and combustible materials.
o A charged garden hose or (2) 5-gallon buckets full of water need to be next to the fire.
o A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire need to be on-site.
o Recreational fires are allowed after dark if attended by someone 16 years or older at all times.
o Fires must be attended to until out cold.
o No burning when winds exceed 7 MPH.
Violations of these restrictions could result in a minimum fine of $250.00.
For more information on fireworks and the burn ban visit the Whatcom County website.