Wildfire smoke is spreading across more of Whatcom County, and air quality conditions are worsening as the week progresses. The communities of Everson, Kendall, and Maple Falls recorded hazardous air quality classifications on Wednesday afternoon, August 5, while Lynden and Laurel registered unhealthy readings. Bellingham, Ferndale, and Blaine remained in the moderate range, though conditions can shift quickly depending on wind direction.
Where the Smoke Is Coming From
Northerly winds are carrying smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia and eastern Washington into the region. An air quality alert remains in effect for Whatcom County from Deming eastward and for Skagit County from Hamilton eastward through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 6. Forecasters with the Northwest Clean Air Agency say the smoke is not expected to clear until stronger westerly winds develop later in the week.
The smoke spread significantly farther west on Wednesday, reaching communities that had been seeing only moderate readings earlier in the week. The shift reflects how quickly conditions can change when atmospheric pressure patterns allow smoke to funnel down from higher elevations and settle in valley and lowland areas. Residents in eastern Whatcom County, from the Nooksack Valley communities eastward toward the Cascade foothills, are bearing the worst of the current smoke event.
The wildfire situation remains active. Fires near Ross Lake in the far eastern corner of Whatcom County have been noted by the county's emergency management office, though those are being managed by the North Cascades National Park Service. Wildfire danger ratings across the county range from High in the lowlands to Moderate to High in the Cascades, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Health Guidance and Free Masks
Whatcom County Health and Community Services is advising all residents to stay up to date on local air quality conditions, particularly those in the eastern part of the county where hazardous levels have been recorded. The department's recommendations include keeping doors and windows closed during smoky periods, avoiding outdoor exercise when air quality is at unhealthy or hazardous levels, and wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator mask if you must be outdoors in smoky conditions. A standard cloth or surgical mask does not filter fine smoke particles effectively.
For residents who do not have an N95 mask, the county is distributing free masks in the main lobby of the Whatcom County Health and Community Services building at 509 Girard Street in Bellingham. No appointment is needed. Supplies are available during regular business hours while they last.
Sensitive populations, including people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, elderly residents, young children, and pregnant women, are at elevated risk during smoke events even when air quality is only in the moderate range. Those groups are encouraged to take precautions at lower thresholds than the general population.
What to Watch for This Week
The current smoke event is tied to a broader pattern of hot, dry weather across the region. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Whatcom County through 10 p.m. Thursday, and temperatures are expected to remain well above average through Thursday before beginning to cool. The combination of heat and smoke is particularly taxing on the body, since the normal response to heat, spending time outdoors or opening windows for ventilation, directly conflicts with smoke-safety guidance.
Forecasters expect conditions to begin improving as a stronger onshore flow develops Thursday and into the weekend, which should push the smoke layer inland and east. The weather is expected to remain mostly dry through the following Monday, with a small chance of showers possible next Tuesday. Any rainfall would help settle smoke and reduce fire danger, though sustained relief would require a more significant change in the weather pattern.
Residents can monitor current air quality at monitoring stations across Whatcom County through the Northwest Clean Air Agency's website, which publishes real-time readings by location. For health information and updates from the county, visit Whatcom County Health and Community Services online or check the related guidance on the Stage 2 burn ban and heat advisory currently in effect across Whatcom County.
