City of Mount Vernon Burn Ban

Due to the elevated fire risk conditions and low moisture levels within Skagit County, the City of Mount Vernon is issuing a complete burn ban beginning Friday, July 16, 2021. This ban will remain in effect until further notice and aligns with bans already issued by the Emergency Proclamation by Governor Inslee, State of Washington Department of Natural Resources, Island County, Skagit County and Whatcom County.

Effective July 16, 2021 and until further notice, outdoor burning is banned within the city limits and urban growth areas with the exception of permitted agricultural burning. The City is asking residents to refrain from any outdoor burning at this time. It only takes one spark to start a fire, and we all have to do our part to protect our community.

Enclosed barbeque and propane fire pits are allowed on developed properties with water readily available and on non-combustible surfaces which are a minimum of ten feet from vegetation or combustible materials. The use of a charcoal barbeque is allowed only on private property. Fire pits or similar enclosures with a metal grate are NOT considered barbeques and are not allowed. Charcoal and ash should be discarded in a metal container and doused with water. The container should be kept ten feet from vegetation or combustible materials for 72 hours.

This ban does not pertain to agricultural burning permits through the Northwest Clean Air Agency or silvicultural burning permits through Washington State Department of Natural Resources. For information on active permits, contact those agencies directly.

To report any concerns regarding burning, please call 911 on the non-emergency line at 360.428.3211 or Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360.428.1617.