Whatcom County upgrades burn ban for Columbia Valley urban growth area
Whatcom County on Wednesday upgraded a stage 1 burn ban for the county’s Columbia Valley urban growth area to a stage 2 burn ban.
Under a stage 2 ban, no burning of any kind is permitted outdoors, and the use of indoor wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves is prohibited.
The burn ban is in effect because cold, calm air is preventing smoke from clearing out, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. The stage 1 ban was issued Dec. 29.
High amounts of smoke can be harmful, especially to children, adults age 65 or older, and people with heart or lung problems, the Northwest Clean Air Agency said in a news release.
Smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks, make breathing difficult and make heart and lung problems worse.
This story was originally published December 31, 2025 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Whatcom County upgrades burn ban for Columbia Valley urban growth area."
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