Whatcom County burn ban lifted

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office lifted the outdoor burn ban for unincorporated Whatcom County on September 27 after recent rain and increased fuel moisture levels made it safe to do so. 

Outdoor burning requires a permit, excluding legal recreational fires, according to the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office. 

For outdoor burning information and verbal burn permits, call the outdoor burning information line at 360/778-5903. Requirements for all types of outdoor burning are available at bit.ly/3Q1te1z. 

Burn permit applications are available online and can be emailed to epermits@co.whatcom.wa.us. Written burn permits for fires larger than 4-feet-by-4-feet are available at the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Office, 5280 Northwest Drive. 

The fire marshal’s office can answer additional open burning questions at 360/778-5900. 

The fire marshal’s office asks that people remember to use extreme caution as vegetation recovers from the dry summer. The office also reminds people that burn restriction violations can result in a minimum $250 fine and illegal fires may result in criminal charges and/or fire suppression fees. 

A permanent ban on open burning remains in effect for cities and urban growth areas in Blaine, Birch Bay, Cherry Point and other areas in Whatcom County. 

Point Roberts, Lummi Island and Sandy Point residents should contact their fire districts for information on outdoor burning.