09/26/2007: "Start Burning Oct 1... Except In GMAs"

For those who live outside of a GMA (Growth Management Areas: Eastsound, Lopez Village & Friday Harbor), it is almost time again to start burning those piles of garden and yard debris; assuming you have obtained a Burn Permit.

Residential Burn Permits (for piles up to ten feet in diameter) will again cost $10 and are valid through June 30, 2008. Burn permit information and burn permits are available from the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office online at www.sjfiremarshal.org . or call 378-3473.

Burn permits for larger fires – such as for land clearing operations - require an inspection prior to a permit being issued. Land clearing burn permits cost $150 and are valid for one month.

As of January 2007, new air quality regulations became effective that severely restrict burning in Growth Management Areas. Residents of Eastsound, Lopez Village and the Town of Friday Harbor are within the GMA and are not allowed to burn. For more information contact the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office online at www.sjfiremarshal.org or call 378-3473.

If you wish to get a permit in person, days and times vary by island.
• SJ: Mullis Street Fire Station Mon. to Fri. 8 - 5 pm. Ph:378-5334.
• Lopez Island: Lopez Island Fire Station Mon. to Fri. 9 – 4:30 pm Ph:468-2991.
• Orcas Island: Eastsound Fire Station Wed. and Fri. noon to 5 pm,
• Shaw Island: cPh: 378-7880