Introduction Burn Ban Information

Permit Information Regulation

Burn BanS

Types of Burn Bans

• Burn ban due to impaired air qualityis called when air pollutants are measured at unhealthful levels. Our agency or the Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for calling this type of ban. The stage of burn ban depends on the level of air pollution:
  
  • Stage I Burn Ban: No outdoor burning or burning in any uncertified wood stove or fireplace.*
  • Stage II Burn Ban: No outdoor burning or burning in any wood stove, fireplace or pellet stove.*
  • *Exemptions: Households with no other source of adequate heat can request an exemption from NWCAA to burn during a burn ban. 
• Burn ban due to dry weather conditions is a temporary ban on outdoor burning called by a fire official during periods of high fire danger. Call 360.428.1617 (Skagit) or 800.622.4627 (Island & Whatcom) ext. 4 for current status.
• Permanent burn bans permanently prohibit land-clearing and residential burning of yard clippings and other vegetative debris in specific cities and their urban growth areas.

Permanent Burn Ban Areas

On January 1, 2001, Washington State law permanently banned both residential and land-clearing burning in the following cities and their urban growth areas (UGA’s):

• Island County: Oak Harbor
• Skagit County: Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley
• Whatcom County: Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden

On January 1, 2007, the permanent burn ban areas for both residential and land-clearing burning will be extended to the following cities and all remaining UGA’s:

• Island County: Coupeville, Langley
• Skagit County: Concrete, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman
• Whatcom County: Blaine, Everson, Nooksack, Sumas

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