Stage 2 burn ban canceled for Whatcom County’s Columbia Valley area

(WHATCOM COUNTY)- The Northwest Clean Air Agency has canceled a Stage 2 air quality burn ban that started Dec. 29, 2025, in the Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) in Whatcom County.

Air quality has improved at this time, but NWCAA urges residents to limit indoor wood burning as much as possible to avoid another burn ban in the near future, according to a news release from NWCAA.

Burn bans are based on weather forecasts and current air pollution from small particles. They are called when air quality is predicted to be worse than the national health-based standard for at least 24 hours.

Fine particles in wood smoke are harmful because they can be inhaled deeply into lungs and damage delicate tissues. Smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults age 65 and older.

Check NWCAA’s website (https://nwcleanairwa.gov/), @NWCleanAir on X/Twitter, nwcleanair on Instagram and Threads, and NWCAA’s Facebook page for up-to-date burn ban information.