County ban on outdoor burning lifted Tuesday

Due to the increase in “fuel moisture levels,” the Island County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday lifted a ban on outdoor burning.

Residential yard debris and land-clearing burning are permanently banned in Coupeville, Freeland, Langley, Oak Harbor and surrounding urban areas.

All yard debris and land-clearing burning require a permit from Island County Health Department, according to the sheriff’s office.

To obtain a verbal permit for residential fires less than four feet in diameter, call 360-240-5526 or call Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617, ext. 4.

To obtain a written permit for fires over four feet in diameter, call 360-679-7350 on North and Central Whidbey or 360-321-5111, ext. 7350 on South Whidbey.

The Health Department website has additional information on permits.

Recreational fires less than three feet in diameter and two-feet high do not require a permit.

As always, burning garbage and the use of burn barrels is illegal statewide.