BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A burn ban is in effect in Whatcom County.

All land clearing and yard debris burning is banned in unincorporated areas of the county.

Recreational fires are allowed with restrictions, which include all of the following:

• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3’ X 3’ across, and must be a minimum 16” high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel.
• Beach fires can be dug into an 8” deep pit, surrounded by 4” high enclosure of rocks.
• Fires must be 25’ from structures, timber, and combustible materials.
• A charged garden hose or 5-gallon buckets full of water to be next to the fire.
• A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire to be on-site.
• Fires must be attended until out cold.
• No burning when winds exceed 7 MPH.