Upgraded burn ban prohibits all open burning

A dry summer has led to the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office upgrading the burn ban to a stage two ban, which prohibits all open burning in unincorporated county areas.

The fire marshal’s office issued the burn ban on August 16 to prohibit all outdoor burning, including recreational, yard debris and land clearing fires. The county burn ban coincides with statewide burn bans on lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Forest Service. 

The fire marshal’s office will continue allowing propane fire pits without solid wood-burning material as well as propane and charcoal barbecues. Charcoal and ash must be discarded in a metal container and put out with water. The container needs to remain 10 feet from structures or vegetation for 72 hours. 

The fire marshal’s office does not allow wood-burning fire pits, charcoal pits or similar enclosures with grates or screens. Liquid gas-fired stoves or barbecues, or charcoal barbecues, on private properties need to be over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from vegetation or structures. 

Burn ban violations carry a $250 minimum fine. Illegal fires that escape can result in additional fines and criminal charges.

The fire marshal’s office issued the stage one burn ban in early June. 

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office can answer questions regarding open burning at 360/778-5900. Current burn ban information is available at 360/778-5903.