Burn restrictions in effect for Whatcom County

The Whatcom County fire marshal’s office has enacted restrictions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County.

The restrictions started at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 12 and were put in place due to warm weather conditions and decreasing fuel moisture levels.

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

Recreational fires are still allowed with the landowner’s permission, but they must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal. They must be contained in an enclosure, which must be no larger than three feet by three feet and must be a minimum of 16 inches high, made of cement blocks, stones or steel. Beach fires, where allowed, can be dug into an eight-inch-deep pit, surrounded by a four-inch enclosure of rocks.

In addition, recreational fires must be 25 feet from structures, timber and combustible materials. A charged garden hose or two five-gallon buckets full of water must be kept next to the fire. A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire must be on site. Fires must be attended until out cold, and burning is prohibited when winds exceed seven miles per hour.

Violations of these burn restrictions can result in a minimum $250 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, as well as be criminally charged,” said the county fire marshal’s notice.

Any questions about open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County can be directed to the Whatcom County fire marshal’s office at 360/778-5900. One must phone the Outdoor Burning Information Line every time one burns in Whatcom County at 360/778-5903.