Modified burn ban to go into effect June 15

A modified burn ban will go into effect June 15 in unincorporated Skagit County.

According to a Thursday news release from the county, the burn ban is being put into place because of current and expected weather conditions.

It will remain in effect until further notice.

Land-clearing fires will not be allowed.

The county will no longer issue permits for these activities, and existing permits will be suspended on June 15.

Recreational and cooking fires, limited to three feet in diameter and two feet high, will be allowed when safety precautions are followed.

Such fires may consist only of charcoal, seasoned firewood, or propane-fueled fire pits and must meet the following requirements:

• Fires are allowed only within enclosures at least 14 inches high, no wider than three feet, and constructed of cement blocks, stones or 10-gauge steel.

• Burning materials must be kept below the enclosure's top.

• Always have a charged garden hose or two five-gallon buckets of water available.

• Portable outdoor fire pits shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or of combustible materials.

• Recreational fires must be 25 feet away from combustibles, standing timber, or overhanging tree branches.

• Someone 16 or older must always be present to monitor and/or extinguish any fire.

Always verify if there are any extra burning restrictions before starting an outdoor fire.

All outdoor burning, including recreational and cooking fires, shall be prohibited in the event of the following:

• A Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service

• A Stage 1 or Stage 2 Air Quality Burn Ban issued by the the Northwest Clean Air Agency due to wildfire smoke and air quality concerns that threaten public health.

Those within an incorporated city or town should contact their fire department for burning restrictions.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency issues permits for agricultural burning, and the state Department of Natural Resources issues permits for silvicultural burning.

For information on active permits, contact these agencies.

For questions about open burning in Skagit County, contact the county Fire Marshal's Office at 360-416-1840 or go to skagitcounty.net/Departments/FireMarshal/main

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 6:05 PM.