Burn ban begins June 25 for unincorporated Whatcom County

Due to warm weather conditions ahead and decreasing fuel moisture levels, the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office will set stage 1 burn restrictions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County starting at 5 p.m. Friday, June 25.

All land clearing and yard debris burning must be discontinued and all issued burn permits suspended.

Recreational fires will still be allowed with the landowner’s permission. Recreational fires must meet the following requirements:

• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal.

• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3-by-3-feet across, and must be a minimum 16 inches high, made of cement blocks, stones or steel.

• Beach fires can be dug into an 8-inch deep pit, surrounded by 4-inch high enclosure of rocks.

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

• A charged garden hose or two 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 of these burn restrictions may result in a minimum $250 fine. In addition, if someone has a fire that escapes or needs the fire department to extinguish, the person may be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs, as well as be criminally charged.

For questions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County, contact the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office at 360/778-5900, call the outdoor burning information line at 360/778-5903 or visit whatcomcounty.us/firemarshal.