Whatcom County residents planning any outdoor burning should clear their schedules before June 15: a Stage 1 Burn Ban takes effect county-wide at 8:00 AM that Monday, running through September 15, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on weather. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal's Office announced the restrictions in response to current and forecasted weather conditions driving elevated fire danger across the region.
A Stage 1 Burn Ban prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated Whatcom County. That includes yard debris, agricultural burning, campfires, and recreational fires in non-designated areas. Violations can result in civil fines and, in some cases, criminal charges. The ban applies to all unincorporated areas of the county; residents in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and other incorporated municipalities should check with their local fire departments for applicable rules within city limits.
The timing aligns with a statewide drought declaration issued by the Washington Department of Ecology on April 8, 2026, which includes Whatcom County. Drought conditions raise fire risk significantly, especially as summer temperatures climb and vegetation dries out. Whatcom County typically transitions into heightened fire danger by mid-June, but the drought has accelerated that timeline this year.
Thursday's Emergency Management daily briefing also noted ongoing FEMA recovery work in the Sumas and Everson area, continuing through June 10. Residents in those communities who have not yet connected with recovery resources should contact the Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management or visit WhatcomReady.org for guidance. Emergency management noted no active advisories, watches, or warnings were in effect as of Thursday morning, and the Emergency Operations Center was not activated.
For those looking to stay informed this summer, the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan is also being updated: a public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23 at 6:00 PM via virtual format. Residents are encouraged to attend and weigh in on how the county plans to mitigate known hazards. A public survey is available through the county's FormCenter for those who cannot join the meeting but want to provide input.
Additionally, the county's Environmental Health division reminded residents to follow a voluntary summer watering schedule to help reduce demand on the public water supply during dry conditions. Though not a mandatory restriction, the voluntary schedule asks residents to water lawns and gardens on designated days based on their address.
The Stage 1 Burn Ban document is publicly available through the Whatcom County Document Center. Residents with questions about what is and is not allowed under the ban can contact the Fire Marshal's Office directly or visit the South Whatcom Fire Authority's website, which has also posted guidance on the June 15 restrictions.
