June 24, 2024
Fire officials have declared fire safety burn bans in rural areas of Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties because of fire danger.
During periods of elevated fire dangers and dry conditions, county fire officials can call for bans on different types of burning in unincorporated areas.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency does not issue fire safety burn bans. The agency can call air quality burn bans depending on the amount of smoke pollution in the air, such as when winds carry wildfire smoke into NWCAA’s jurisdiction (Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties).
Latest details about the fire safety burn bans:
- Whatcom County: July 1 start date.
- Island County: June 30 start date.
- Skagit County: June 15 start date.
Air quality information
- Local air quality information: Northwest Clean Air Agency.
- Statewide air quality monitoring: Washington Department of Ecology.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local air quality regulations in Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. In addition to permitting and regulating industrial sources of air pollution, the agency provides services and information related to asbestos, indoor air quality, outdoor burning, woodstoves, and fireplaces. More information about the agency is available at https://nwcleanairwa.gov/.