WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As wildfire season begins, a proactive burn ban will soon go into effect for all of Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office will activate the restrictions at 8 a.m. on July 1 due to low fuel moisture levels and warmer temperatures in the forecast. Open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County will be banned, including land clearing and yard debris burning.

Recreational fires will still be allowed, but they must meet certain parameters in order to be considered safe.

Below are the requirements for any recreational fires in Whatcom County:

• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3’ X 3’ across, and must be a minimum 16″ high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel.
• Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8″ deep pit, surrounded by 4″ high enclosure of rocks.
• Fires must be 25’ from structures, timber, and combustible materials.
• A charged garden hose or (2) 5-gallon buckets full of water to be next to the fire.
• A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire to be on-site.
• Recreational fires are allowed after dark, if attended by someone 16 years or older at all times.
• Fires must be attended until out cold.
• No burning when winds exceed 7 MPH.

The restrictions are expected to remain in effect through September 14, but the end date could be extended depending on weather conditions.