Fire pit rules in Bellingham, WA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Bellingham recreational fires are governed by the 2021 Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54A / 2021 IFC) adopted at BMC Chapter 17.20, plus Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) rules under WAC 173-425. The City of Bellingham allows recreational fires only when no more restrictive burn ban is in effect, the fuel is seasoned wood or charcoal, the fuel area is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, the fire is at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and the fire is attended at all times until fully extinguished.
Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 17.20 (Fire Code) adopts the Washington State Fire Code (2021 edition at WAC 51-54A, based on the 2021 International Fire Code) by reference, with the latest code update effective March 15, 2024. Under IFC Section 307.4.2 a recreational fire is an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, conditions which could cause the fire to spread must be eliminated prior to ignition, and the fire must be constantly attended until extinguished with a means of extinguishment readily available - the City of Bellingham specifies a charged garden hose, one 4-A portable fire extinguisher, or two 5-gallon buckets of water. IFC Section 307.4.3 separately allows portable outdoor fireplaces in one- and two-family dwellings provided they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and not operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. The Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) is the regional air-quality authority for Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties and operates under WAC 173-425. NWCAA Stage 1 and Stage 2 burn bans override the fire code allowances. Bellingham Fire Department enforces under BMC Chapter 17.20.
Violations are enforced by Bellingham Fire Department under BMC Chapter 17.20 (adopted 2021 Washington State Fire Code). A fire officer may order an unlawful fire extinguished under IFC Section 307.3. Burning during an NWCAA Stage 1 or Stage 2 burn ban is a separate violation of WAC 173-425. The Whatcom County Burn Information Line is 360-778-5903.
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