Bellingham, WA Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

A 'backyard fire' in the City of Bellingham is either a recreational fire or a portable outdoor fireplace under the 2021 Washington State Fire Code (IFC Sections 307.4.2 and 307.4.3) adopted at BMC Chapter 17.20. IFC 307.4.2 limits recreational fires to a fuel area not more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, requires a 25-foot setback from any structure or combustible material, requires that conditions which could cause the fire to spread be eliminated prior to ignition, and requires the fire to be constantly attended until extinguished with a means of extinguishment readily available. The City of Bellingham specifies that the means of extinguishment must be either a charged garden hose, one 4-A portable fire extinguisher, or two 5-gallon buckets of water. IFC 307.4.3 allows portable outdoor fireplaces in one- and two-family dwellings if used per the manufacturer's instructions and at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material. Independent of the fire code, Washington state law prohibits all yard debris fires and land-clearing fires within Bellingham city limits, the Urban Growth Area, and Whatcom County Fire District 8 under WAC 173-425 and Northwest Clean Air Agency rules - so burning leaves, brush, household trash, treated wood, or construction debris in a Bellingham backyard is prohibited regardless of pit size. The City's published outdoor-burning page specifies that recreational fire fuel must be seasoned firewood or charcoal only, and that burning of garbage, yard debris, or construction/demolition materials is prohibited. Permission from the property owner must be obtained before starting any recreational fire. During an NWCAA Stage 1 or Stage 2 burn ban all outdoor burning is suspended countywide.