Residential

  1. Updated Burn Ban Restrictions Effective Immediately

    Due to increasingly dry weather conditions, and anticipated increase of Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire danger to HIGH, the Deputy Fire Marshal, Curtis Metz, has ordered restrictions on all open burning. Read on...

  2. Shoreline Management Program Periodic Update Draft Amendment Available for Public Review

    The draft amendments to Whatcom County’s Shoreline Management Program are being issued for public review prior to review by the Planning Commission, County Council, and Department of Ecology. Read on...

  3. Burn Ban Restrictions Effective 8:00am, Monday, July 27, 2020

    Due to the warm weather conditions ahead and decreasing fuel moisture levels, the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office will be enacting restrictions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County starting at 8:00 am on Monday, July 27, 2020. Read on...
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 Regulations


  • Fee: $60 (plus $1.80 Technology fee) per 7 day period
  • Up to 4 x 4-foot pile with verbal permit, call 360-778-5903.
  • Up to 10 x 10-foot pile with written permit, fill out our Burn Permit Application Form (PDF)
    • Submit an application or permit--email epermits@co.whatcom.wa.us. with your application materials and our staff will review and get back to you with instructions and questions
    • Bring application directly to: (NOT APPLICABLE DURING COVID-19 STAY HOME STAY HEALTHY ORDER)
      • 5280 NW Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226
  • 50 feet from structures, timber, and combustibles
  • Garden hose or (2) 5-gallon buckets at fire for 4-by-4-foot pile
  • Garden hose or 55-gallon with pump / hose at fire for 10-by-10-foot pile
  • Hand tools required onsite
  • Bare ground fire break required and 15 feet clear overhead
  • Daylight hours burning only
  • Must have landowner permission to light all fires