Tag Archives: outdoor burning

Phase I Burn Ban Still in Effect

Community Announcements, Special Announcement, Weather Alerts, , , ,

Please be aware that a Phase I Burn Ban is still in effect for Whatcom County. This stage of burn ban prohibits all open burning of residential yard debris and land-clearing materials. All issued, active burn permits are suspended under this ban.

Recreational fires will still be allowed but must meet specific criteria. You can read more about the required precautions and the standard rules for outdoor fires at the following links:

https://www.swrfa.org/burn-ban/burn-ban-in-effect-7-16-2022/

https://www.whatcomcounty.us/698/General-All-Fire-Rules

The South Whatcom Fire Authority can be reached at 360-676-8080 if you have any questions.

Have a great weekend!

Outdoor Burning in Sudden Valley

Community Announcements, Security, ,

Sudden Valley Rules and Regulations

1.6 Complying with the State of Washington Outdoor Burning Regulations (WAC 173-425), the Northwest Air Pollution Authority (NWAPA), and South Whatcom Fire Authority regulations: NO OUTDOOR BURNING is allowed in Sudden Valley except as provided in 1.6.3. (Further informational printouts regarding the WAC 173-425 and NWAPA are available at the Administration Office).

1.6.1 Definition:

Firefighting instruction fire means fires for instruction in methods including, but not limited to, training to fight structural fires and forest fires.

Land clearing burning means outdoor burning of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation from land clearing projects.

Recreational fire means cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking or pleasure.

Residential burning means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his/her designee

Recreations Fires

Recreational fire –  means cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking or pleasure.

1.6.2 Policy:

By reference, the provisions of WAC 173-425 are adopted. Consistent with policies for Urban Growth Areas in High Density Areas, no residential or land clearing burning are allowed.

1.6.3 Exceptions:

The following types of outdoor burning are allowed:

(a) Recreational fires with a total fuel area of less than three (<3) feet in diameter and/or two (<2) feet in height are permitted.

(b) Firefighting instruction fires.

Whatcom County Regulations are as follows (best practices)

  • No permit is required for recreational fires in Whatcom County
  • Up to 3 feet by 3 feet of seasoned firewood or charcoal only
  • Must have enclosure 16 inches high, made of steel or masonry / rockery
  • 25 feet from structures, timber, and combustible material
  • 15 feet overhead clearance required
  • Garden hose or 2 5-gallon buckets of water at fire
  • Hand tools required onsite
  • Allowed after dark if attended until fire is out cold

Sudden Valley Beach Fires

Beach Fires must be permitted by the administration and must comply with the best practices for extinguishing, placement etc. Permits can be obtained from the Sudden Valley Safety, Security and Compliance Manager.

General Rules in Regards to Burning in Sudden Valley

1.6 Complying with the State of Washington Outdoor Burning Regulations (WAC 173-425), the Northwest Air Pollution Authority (NWAPA), and South Whatcom Fire Authority regulations: NO OUTDOOR BURNING is allowed in Sudden Valley except as provided in 1.6.3. (Further informational printouts regarding the WAC 173-425 and NWAPA are available at the Administration Office).