Outdoor burning restrictions eased: Bellingham lifts recreational fire ban for 2023
Recreational fires are now allowed in the City of Bellingham as of Monday Sept. 18, 2023.
According to a news release from the City, a recreational fire must follow these guidelines.
- The fire fuel must be seasoned firewood or charcoal only. Burning of garbage, yard debris or construction/demolition lumber and debris is prohibited.
- The fire’s total fuel area shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and/or 2 feet in height.
- The fire must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving it.
- Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet away from structures or combustible materials. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be a minimum of 15 feet from structures or combustible materials.
- Permission from the landowner, or owner’s designated representative, must be obtained prior to starting the recreational fire.
- An adequate means of extinguishing the recreational fire shall be immediately available. This could include a charged garden hose, one 4-A portable fire extinguisher, or two 5-gallon buckets of water.
Meanwhile, recreational fires once again are allowed in the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County.
The county lifted its ban on recreational fires, such as campfires, on Friday, Sept. 15. All other burning, including yard debris and land clearing fires, are still banned, according to a news release from the Whatcom County Fire Marshal.
Violations of burn restrictions can result in a minimum fine of $250. People may be held financially responsible if the fire spreads and causes damages, and may be criminally charged for reckless burning, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
This story was originally published September 20, 2023 at 3:12 PM.
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