Burn Permits
Where can I obtain a burn permit?
You can obtain a 72 hour Residential Burn Permit at Nielson's Lumber, located at 391 Tyee Drive. You can obtain an annual Recreational Fire Permit, or 24 hour Land Clearing Permit by phoning 360-945-3473 to arrange a time to issue the permit.
What are the requirements for operating a residential or land clearing burn?
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to prevent the nuisance of smoke, odor, or ash, that unreasonably impacts neighboring properties RCW 70.94.030 (2)
- Burn only natural vegetation.
- Burn one pile at a time of yard debris, fires not to exceed 4 feet in diameter. Land clearing fires restricted to one fire per acre, not to exceed 25 feet in diameter
- Burn piles are at least 5 times there diameter from any structure or standing forest
- Clear the area around the burn pile of any flammable debris.
- The winds are calm or light. It is too windy to burn if trees are swaying, flags are extended, or waves appear on open water.
- Maintain a connected water hose or at least five gallons of water and a shovel nearby.
- Attend the fire until it is completely out. Be prepared to extinguish the fire if it becomes a nuisance.
(Land Clearing fires only) For the duration of any Land Clearing fire, there must be a backhoe (or equivalent), water source, and fan on-site with an operator. Land Clearing fires are extinguished if this condition is not met.
If Whatcom County Fire District 5 is called for a nuisance burn at your property, and one of these requirements is not met, we may be required to extinguish your fire and revoke your burn permit.
How do I find out if there is a burn ban in effect?
Call 360-676-6934
I have another question and need help!
You can phone Whatcom County Fire District 5 offices for non-emergency questions at 360-945-3473.
Read the full pdf file on Outdoor Burning Permit Information