Air Quality Index:
For more information about the current air quality in our area visit airnow.gov
Recreational Beach Bacteria Monitoring
Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducts weekly bacterial monitoring of six swimming beaches during summer (June-August) and monitors monthly throughout the rest of the year.
More information on recreational beach bacteria monitoring.
Burn Ban Status
A Tier 1 burn ban is in effect as of June 15, 2026, at 8 a.m. No open burning is allowed. No slash burning is allowed. No burn permits will be issued during the burn ban.
Recreational and cooking fires are still allowed, provided they are less than four feet in diameter, less than three feet in height, and contained within a fire ring, barbecue, or similar structure. These fires must also be at least five feet away from any existing structure or woody vegetation, and they must be attended at all times.
Cultural/Spiritual fires are exempt from burn bans. For further information about ceremonial/cultural fires or a letter for proof of exemption, contact Kelsey Larson at (360) 708-3118 or klarson [at] swinomish.nsn.us (klarson[at]swinomish[dot]nsn[dot]us).
There are burn ban signs when you enter and exit the Reservation that indicate whether or not the burn ban is in effect.
Swinomish Burn Hotline: (360) 466-2722
Burning Restrictions
Cooking and recreational fires are allowed, as long as they are in a fire ring, barbeque, or similar structure. Open burning requires a burn permit, pursuant to Swinomish Tribal Code, Title 19 - Environmental Protection, Chapter 2 - Clean Air Act. For more information contact permits [at] swinomish.nsn.us (permits[at]swinomish[dot]nsn[dot]us)
Fire, with or without a permit, is prohibited if...
- Prohibited materials are being burned
- Garbage, including in a burn barrel, is being burned
- The fire is less than 5' from any existing structure or woody vegetation
- The fire is outside daylight hours, except for cooking and recreational fires
- The fire is unattended
- The fire is creating a nuisance
- The fire is creating a threat to personal safety or property
- The fire is burning on tribal property without permission, e.g. beaches
You DO need a burn permit if...
- The fire is 4' or more in diameter, or 3' or more in height
- The burn is slash burning from forest practices
You DO NOT need a burn permit if...
- The fire is less than 4' in diameter and less than 3' in height
- The fire is for traditional spiritual use
- The fire is for recreational or cooking purposes within a fire ring, barbeque, pit or similar structure