Burn Ban to be enacted June 15

A burn ban will be enacted in Point Roberts starting 8 a.m. on June 15 and will continue through September 15. The ban could be extended past September depending on the weather conditions at that time. 

Land cleaning and yard debris cannot be burned after June 15, and permits for that type of burning will be suspended for the summer. Recreational fires will still be allowed with landowner permission as long as they met the following requirements sent out by Fire Chief Christopher Carleton via Point ePost:

• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than three feet by three feet across, and must be a minimum 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 high enclosure of rocks.
• 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 next to the fire.
• A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire must 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 they are out cold.
• No burning when winds exceed seven miles per hour.

Any violations of the burn ban result in a minimum fine of $250 in addition to being held financially responsible for fire suppression costs should the fire escape and need to be extinguished by the fire department. Individuals who violate the restrictions may also be subject to criminal charges. 

The burn ban was enacted by Whatcom County Fire Marshalls Office for open burning in all of unincorporated Whatcom County.