With recent improvements in fuel moisture levels, the City of Bellingham lifted the ban on recreational fires within city limits, effective as of 5 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2023.
To be considered a legal recreational fire, the following guidelines must be met:
- The fire fuel must be seasoned firewood or charcoal only. Burning of garbage, yard debris or construction/demolition lumber and debris is prohibited.
- The fire’s total fuel area shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and/or 2 feet in height.
- The fire must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving it.
- Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet away from structures or combustible materials. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be no closer than 15 feet of structures or combustible materials.
- Permission from the landowner, or owner’s designated representative, must be obtained prior to starting the recreational fire.
- An adequate means of extinguishing the recreational fire shall be immediately available. This could include a charged garden hose, one 4-A portable fire extinguisher, or two 5-gallon buckets of water.
If you have questions regarding outdoor fires within Bellingham city limits, please contact the Bellingham Fire Department Life Safety Division at (360) 778-8420. For unincorporated areas of Whatcom County, contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s outdoor burn information line at (360) 778-5903.
