Burn ban stepped back to level 1

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office reduced the summer’s burn ban to a level 1, which allows for recreational fires. The change took effect at 8 a.m. on Sept. 11. 

According to whatcomcounty.us, “All other outdoor burning is still banned including yard debris and land clearing fires.”

Recreational fires, while allowed, still must meet strict safety requirements, which can be found at wcfd5.com/burn-ban-notice. Requirements include that the fire can be up to 3 feet by 3 feet with materials of seasoned firewood or charcoal only, must have an enclosure 16 inches high that is made of steel or rock, must be 25 feet from structures, timber as well as combustibles, must have 15 feet of overhead clearance, a garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets of water must be on site, hand tools must be onsite, and fires are only allowed after dark if the fire is attended until it is out cold. Burning is not allowed if winds exceed seven miles per hour. 

Violations of burn restrictions results in a $250 fine, and if an illegal fire gets out of control, the responsible party may be held financially liable for suppression costs as well as being subject to criminal charges for reckless burning. 

Burn permits are required for all types of fires in Point Roberts, including recreational fires. The permit form can be found at wcfd5.com/burn-permit.