Whatcom County is under a heat advisory and a Stage 1 burn ban as of Tuesday, June 23, with conditions expected to continue through the week. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management confirmed that the Emergency Operations Center is not currently activated, but residents are encouraged to take precautions as temperatures remain elevated.
A Stage 1 burn ban means all outdoor burning is prohibited countywide, including recreational fires. This level of restriction is triggered when weather conditions increase the risk of fire spread. Residents with questions about the burn ban or fire risk conditions can consult the Whatcom County Emergency Management page for current advisories and updates.
The heat advisory covers the greater Bellingham area and surrounding Whatcom County communities, including Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and the mountain foothills. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors and people without air conditioning, and avoid outdoor exertion during peak afternoon heat hours. The Bellingham Public Library and other city facilities can serve as cooling centers for those who need them.
In conjunction with the heat conditions, Whatcom County Emergency Management hosted a virtual public meeting Tuesday evening to gather community input on the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan update. The meeting gave residents an opportunity to learn about the natural and human-caused hazards identified for Whatcom County and to hear about the steps local jurisdictions are taking to reduce risk. The county is encouraging anyone who missed the virtual meeting to complete an online survey through the Hazard Mitigation Plan update form.
Whatcom County's Hazard Mitigation Plan is a federally required planning document that helps local governments identify vulnerabilities, prioritize actions, and qualify for federal hazard mitigation grants. The plan covers a range of hazards including flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, and severe storms. Updating the plan requires public input, which is why the county is soliciting feedback from residents across all communities in the county.
Heat-related illness is a genuine concern during advisories. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold and pale skin, nausea, and fainting. Heat stroke is a medical emergency marked by high body temperature (above 103 degrees), hot and red skin, and confusion. If you or someone nearby shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency health guidance during hot weather, residents can contact the Whatcom County Health Department.
To sign up for emergency alerts for Whatcom County, visit WhatcomReady through the county's emergency management portal. Notifications can be delivered by text, email, or phone for weather events, evacuations, and other local emergencies. Having an active alert subscription is one of the most effective preparedness steps a Whatcom County resident can take.
Residents can check current conditions, advisories, and the daily emergency briefing at the Whatcom County Emergency Management page. For related coverage of a previous heat advisory earlier this month, see the earlier report on Whatcom County's heat advisory and burn ban.
