Fire Regulations in Whatcom County, WA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Whatcom County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Unincorporated Whatcom County treats a backyard fire pit as a recreational fire under NWCAA Regulation 502: no permit is needed if the fuel area stays at or under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, but every fire must sit 50 feet from structures, have the landowner's permission, and stay attended until fully extinguished. Larger fires, or any fire during a declared burn ban, require a Northwest Clean Air Agency permit.
Whatcom County Recreational Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsNWCAA Regulation §§ 502.3, 502.4(E), 502.4(G), 502.5(B)(9)
RECREATIONAL FIRE - Cooking fires, campfires, and bonfires using charcoal or firewood that occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are not considered recreational fires. ... (E) UNLAWFUL OUTDOOR BURNING/NUISANCE. It is unlawful for any person to cause or allow outdoor burning that causes an emission ...
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks are legal in unincorporated Whatcom County only on July 3-5 and December 31, within set hours. Bellingham bans all consumer fireworks year-round, and other cities set their own rules.
Whatcom County Fireworks Regulations
Some RestrictionsWhatcom County Fire Marshal, consumer fireworks discharge dates (2015 ordinance, WCC ch. 5.20)
July 3: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM; July 4: 6:00 PM - Midnight; July 5: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM; December 31: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Outdoor Burning
Outdoor burning is permanently banned in every Whatcom County city and urban growth area, including Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and Blaine. Outside those boundaries, residents may burn natural yard debris only with a Northwest Clean Air Agency permit.
Whatcom County Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsNorthwest Clean Air Agency, Outdoor Burning rules, Whatcom County
Outdoor burning is permanently banned in all cities, towns, and urban growth areas (UGAs - call your local planning department for UGA boundaries).
Propane Storage
Unincorporated Whatcom County lets homeowners keep a propane tank up to 500 gallons in the front-yard setback, but only in the rear half of that setback, only after the fire marshal inspects it for International Fire Code compliance, with screening from a fence or shrubs encouraged. All LP-gas installations countywide must meet the 2021 NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.
Whatcom County Propane Tank Storage Rules
Some RestrictionsWCC § 20.80.220(1)(a)(i); § 15.04.010(F)
The location of propane tanks with fuel capacities up to 500 gallons is restricted to the rear 50 percent of front yard setbacks. All such propane tanks shall be: (A) Inspected and approved by the Whatcom County fire marshal for compliance with the most currently adopted International Fire Code and, when required by the fire marshal, isolated from other uses by a noncombustible wall or fence; a...
Fire Regulations by City in Whatcom County
1 cities in Whatcom County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Whatcom County ordinances
See every category we cover for Whatcom County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Whatcom County Ordinance Hub →