Fire ban still on

Unseasonably high temperatures and continued lack of rain means the risk of fire remains very high in Point Roberts and the rest of Whatcom County. A prohibition on land clearing and residential burning imposed by the county fire marshal on June 16 remains in effect until further notice. Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton told the All Point Bulletin today “I’d like to thank the community for keeping vigilant during the dry season. It’s not over yet so if someone sees something concerning or suspicious, we’d like them to call 911. We’ll come check it out.”

Carleton said his biggest concern wasn’t recreational fires. “The biggest problem is people throwing lit cigarettes into the ditches or along trails in the parks. We’ve probably had a dozen incidents with small fires in ditches or in Lily Point.”

Recreational fires are allowed subject to the following conditions:

• Fires must be 25 feet from structures, timber, and combustible materials.
• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3’ X 3’ across which must be a minimum 16” high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel.
• Beach fires are not allowed on Point Roberts.
• 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 m.p.h.

According to the fire district, violations of these burn restrictions may 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.

In any event, the never-ending summer is about to end. According to noted UW meteorologist Cliff Mass, the “Northwest winter begins on October 21,” which is when the first atmospheric river is expected to hit our area.