Permanent Burn Ban for Skagit County Areas

Happy New Year's to All!

Important Burn Ban information has just been released for Skagit County, as seen in your local newpaper(s), the postoffice etc. the following is provided as a public service announcement via www.SkagitCounty.net. Be sure to read the article in its entirety.

On January 1, 2001, Washington State law permanently banned both residential and land-clearing burning in the following cities and their urban growth areas (UGA’s): Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley. On January 1, 2007, the permanent burn ban areas for both residential and land-clearing burning will be extended to the following cities and all remaining UGA’s: Concrete, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman.

Fire Warden Wefer promotes safe outdoor burning in unincorporated Skagit and Island Counties. Fire Warden Wefer works closely with Northwest Clean Air Agency and the Department of Natural Resources.
Agricultural burn permits can be obtained by calling the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 428-1617.

General Rules that apply to all types of burning (WAC 173-425):
Burn piles over 4 foot by 4 foot are illegal to burn without a burn permit issued by the Skagit County Fire Warden. Call the Fire Warden at 360-428-3293 to schedule a sight visit so you can obtain a permit. The Fire Warden is usually in the field issuing permits so please leave a message. He retrieves his voice mail messages while in the field and will return your call as soon as possible.

It is only legal to burn natural vegetation or firewood. Garbage burning of any kind is prohibited (this includes paper except for the amount it takes to start a fire).

It is illegal to burn construction and demolition debris.
Burn barrels are prohibited statewide.

Smoke, odor or ash that unreasonably impacts neighboring property is prohibited.

It is illegal to burn any materials that are not generated at the burn site.
Burning at a permanently located commercial establishment is prohibited except for land-clearing operations where burning is allowed.
Burning is allowed only during daylight hours (contact Fire Warden for exceptions).

Do not burn during periods of air stagnation.
Burn only when the wind does not exceed 7-10 miles per hour.
Most types of burning are not allowed during burn bans.
You may be charged a fee by your local fire department if they are called out to respond due to illegal burning on your property.

Permit Process
If you wish to obtain a burn permit, please contact the Fire Warden at 360-428-3293 to arrange a site visit. Once he has visited the burn site and determined you are eligible for a permit, he will issue one at the site.

Permit fees for a 7 day permit are as follows:
Residential: $20.00 Land Clearing (over 10' x 10'): $50.00