The weather’s been wet and cold. So why is Whatcom County setting a Stage 1 burn ban?
Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office announced Monday that a Stage 1 burn ban will be in effect July 1 through Sept. 14 throughout Whatcom County.
The decision was described as a “proactive measure” to “mitigate the risk of fire hazards and protect the community and natural resources,” in a statement announcing the decision.
A Stage 1 burn ban prohibits burning for land clearing and yard debris, according to the release.
Once the ban goes into effect, recreational fires will still be allowed under strict requirements. According to the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office fires must meet the following conditions:
Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and must be a minimum of 16 inches high, made of cement blocks, stones or steel.
Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8-inch-deep pit, surrounded by 4-inch-high enclosures of rocks.
Fires must be 25 feet from structures, timber and combustible materials.
A charged garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets full of water must be to be next to the fire.
A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire to be 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 7 mph.
The Fire Marshal’s Office acknowledged the burn ban announcement comes early and during a wet time of the year. Although, for the last decade burn bans generally have been declared within two weeks of July 1, Fire Inspector Tiffany Honey told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
“In the past, we have relied on weather models, weather data and collaboration with neighboring counties to decide when we will go to a burn ban,” Honey said. “The previous approach, which entailed a swift transition from the decision to initiate a burn ban to its enforcement, has led to challenges.”
These challenges included yard debris fires burning out of control when conditions became too dry.
The Fire Marshal’s Office said in a Facebook post they had been talking with other fire marshals across the state and have decided set Stage 1 burn ban dates are better and will likely become more common.
“This way people can get their burning done in an adequate amount of time without the surprise of a burn ban going into effect over the weekend. It will also help alleviate the risk of escaped fires,” the Fire Marshal’s Office said.
Burn ban violations can result in a minimum $250 fine. If a fire burns out of control and requires a fire department response, people can be held financially responsible for the extinguishing costs. There’s also a possibility of criminal charges.
This story was originally published June 12, 2024 at 10:25 AM.
.jpg)