Whatcom County heads into the first weekend of August under a Stage 2 burn ban, with forecasters warning of thunderstorm potential on Saturday that could bring lightning, small hail, and gusty winds alongside the first significant rainfall in weeks. The combination of dry conditions and electrical storms raises the risk of new fire ignitions even as rain provides some short-term relief for fire crews battling two active blazes in the eastern part of the county.
According to the Friday, July 31 emergency management briefing from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management, the county itself does not face the same extreme fire danger conditions affecting central and eastern Washington this weekend. But the situation in the Cascades remains active and bears watching for anyone planning travel toward the North Cascades or Ross Lake area.
Fire Conditions and the Burn Ban
The Stage 2 burn ban that took effect at 8:00 a.m. on July 17 remains in place countywide until further notice. All open burning is prohibited under Stage 2, including campfires, brush burns, and outdoor fire pits. The ban applies to all unincorporated areas of Whatcom County and to any jurisdiction that has adopted the county's burn regulations.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources has set the fire danger level for the Whatcom County lowlands at High and the Cascades at Moderate to High. That distinction matters for outdoor recreationists heading into the foothills this weekend. Even if rain dampens conditions at lower elevations on Saturday, upper-elevation terrain may remain dry and susceptible to ignition from lightning.
The Washington State Department of Ecology declared a drought covering Whatcom County on April 8, 2026. While the U.S. Drought Monitor does not currently list Whatcom County in a drought classification, the Ecology declaration reflects stress on local water systems that makes fire conditions more volatile than typical summer patterns. More details on current fire danger levels are available through the Washington DNR fire information page.
The Border 2 and Luna Fires
In the far eastern corner of Whatcom County near Ross Lake, the Border 2 Fire has grown to an estimated 3,500 acres as of July 31, up from 2,500 acres just two days earlier. The fire is burning between Ross Lake and Hozomeen Mountain in rugged, remote terrain within the North Cascades National Park complex. Four scooper aircraft are being deployed, skimming Ross Lake to collect and drop water directly on the fire.
The smaller Luna Fire, located north of McMillan Creek and west of Big Beaver Creek, has grown to 392 acres from 330 acres earlier in the week. Two helicopters are working suppression on the Luna Fire. Both fires were sparked by lightning in steep, rocky terrain that makes ground crew access difficult.
The Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center is not activated, meaning the fires are not currently threatening populated areas of the county. However, significant closures are in effect around Ross Lake. The lake north of Silver Creek Camp to the U.S.-Canada border is closed, as are all Hozomeen area facilities including docks and public areas. Anyone planning backcountry travel in the North Cascades should check current closure maps through the North Cascades National Park Service before heading out.
Weekend Weather Forecast
Friday night into Saturday morning brings the best chance of precipitation Whatcom County has seen in several weeks. South winds are expected to be breezy overnight Friday and Saturday morning before shifting southwest Saturday afternoon, gusting to around 20 to 25 mph. Rain showers are most likely in the morning hours on Saturday, with thunderstorms possible during those showers. Any thunderstorm cell could produce heavy rain, small hail, and lightning strikes that raise new ignition risk in areas with dry ground cover.
Saturday night and Sunday morning will still see some lingering showers before conditions begin to dry out. By Sunday afternoon the forecast calls for clearing skies. The start of the week ahead looks dry again, with temperatures trending warmer by Tuesday and Wednesday. That pattern, dry and warming after a brief wet break, is consistent with the conditions that have kept fire risk elevated throughout the summer.
For coastal and Strait of Juan de Fuca conditions, south winds of 5 to 10 knots are expected through Friday evening, increasing to 10 to 15 knots Saturday with wind waves around 2 feet. Boaters on Bellingham Bay and the Lummi Island ferry corridor should account for breezy conditions Saturday morning. Real-time tide and weather data for Cherry Point is available through the NOAA tide station network.
CERT Training Opens in East County
For residents interested in being better prepared for wildfire and other emergencies, Whatcom County Emergency Management has opened enrollment for an East Whatcom Community Emergency Response Team basic training course. Classes run Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. starting August 5 and running through September 23, 2026. The location is Kendall Fire Station 92 in the upper Mount Baker Highway corridor. To enroll, email cert@whatcomcounty.us.
CERT training teaches civilians basic disaster response skills including fire safety, search and rescue, first aid, and team organization. The program is free and is particularly valuable for residents in east county communities that are farther from rapid emergency response resources. Sign up for the WhatcomReady alert system at WhatcomReady.org to receive emergency notifications directly to your phone or email.
