July 13th, 2010

Burn restrictions have been modified in Skagit County  
Due to the decrease in fuel moisture levels and available fire resources the Fire Marshal's Office will modify the burn restriction as of Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 8:00 am for the unincorporated areas of Skagit County, to allow recreational burning only. Recreational fires consist only of charcoal or firewood and are used for cooking or pleasure. The fire is in an enclosure no larger than 3 feet across. The enclosure must be a minimum of 16 inches high and made of cement block, stones or #10 gauge steel. Materials being burned must be kept lower than the sidewalls of the enclosure. A charged garden hose or 2 five-gallon bucks of water must be on site. The fire must be 25 feet from any standing timber. Tree branches must be cleared to the height of 15 feet above the enclosure. One person age 16 or older who is capable of putting the fire out must be in attendance at all times. To see a complete list of all Recreational Burning conditions, please see our website at www.skagitcounty.net or contact the Skagit County Fire Warden at (360) 428-3293.

No debris burning fires will be allowed until further notice. This will go into effect on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 8:00 AM. If you are within the city limits of any of the incorporated cities or towns, check with your city fire department for current burning restrictions.

A permanent ban on open burning remains in effect in the Cities of Anacortes, Burlington, Concrete, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman, Mount Vernon, and Sedro Woolley and their urban growth areas. For more information on the burn ban in these cities you may contact the Northwest Clean Air Agency at (800) 622-4627 or check their website at www.nwcleanair.org.

If your property falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, please call (360) 856-3500 for burn permit information.

Recreational Burning Conditions

• Recreational fires consist only of charcoal or firewood and are used for cooking or pleasure.

• The fire is in an enclosure no larger than 3 feet across. The enclosure must be a minimum of 16 inches high and made of cement block, stones or #10 gauge steel.

• Materials being burned must be kept lower than the sidewalls of the enclosure.

• A charged garden hose or 2 five-gallon bucks of water must be on site.

• A shovel or rake must be on site.

• The fire must be 25 feet from any standing timber.

• Tree branches must be cleared to the height of 15 feet above the enclosure.

• One person age 16 or older who is capable of putting the fire out must be in attendance at all times.

• The fire must be contained within a firebreak (bare ground).

• The landowner’s permission must be obtained if not on your property.