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Whatcom County, WA Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Whatcom County, WA, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.

Key Facts

Cities/UGAs
Burning permanently banned
Rural
Yard debris by NWCAA permit
Garbage
Always prohibited
Permit Line
360-778-5903
Forestland
DNR / RCW 76.04

Summary

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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Outdoor burning is permanently banned in all cities, towns, and urban growth areas (UGAs - call your local planning department for UGA boundaries).

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Full Breakdown

The Northwest Clean Air Agency permanently prohibits outdoor burning in all cities, towns, and urban growth areas of Whatcom County. Outside those boundaries, residents can burn natural vegetation grown on the property with an NWCAA permit, verbal for piles under 4 feet and written for 4-to-10-foot piles. Burning household garbage, plastics, treated wood, and construction debris is always illegal. Fires must be attended by someone at least 16, kept 50 feet from structures, with a charged hose on hand. Agricultural field burning in the farm valleys requires a separate NWCAA permit. DNR regulates burning on forestland under RCW 76.04.

Violations & Fines

Illegal burning brings NWCAA notices and fines. Garbage burning violates the Washington Clean Air Act with penalties up to $10,000 per day, and escaped fires trigger DNR wildfire cost recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn yard waste in Bellingham?
No. Outdoor burning is permanently banned in Bellingham and every Whatcom County urban growth area. Haul debris to a transfer station or compost it instead.
Can I burn yard debris in rural Whatcom County?
Yes, outside urban growth areas, with a Northwest Clean Air Agency permit. Verbal permits cover piles under 4 feet; larger piles need a written permit.
What can I never burn?
Household garbage, plastics, treated or painted wood, rubber, and construction debris are always illegal to burn anywhere in Washington.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Whatcom County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions

All Whatcom County rules

How Whatcom County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview

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Outdoor Burning in Cities Across Whatcom County

Bellingham, WA