COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

The U.S. has extended an order closing the shared border to nonessential traffic until at least August 21, 2021.  Canada will allow fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada beginning August 9th.  However, there are several additional requirements you need to be aware of.  See Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for additional requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

A "Small Craft Advisory" is in effect from 5:00pm this afternoon to 5:00am tomorrow morning for the northern inland waters including the San Juan Islands. South winds 15-25 knots are expected.

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia- South of Nanaimo. Winds form the northwest 15-25 knots are expected diminishing to northwest 5-15 knots near noon today.

SR 20 North Cascades Highway is closed approximately 9 miles west of Winthrop due to firefighting activities.  **AS OF MONDAY, JULY 12 AT 10AM: ROAD CLOSED to all traffic due to fire activity.** There is no estimated time for reopening of the road and this closure is expected to remain in place through the weekend. See WSDOT for updates.  The Cedar Creek Fire situation report can be found on the WA DNR website under wildfires.

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal has issued a Stage 2 Burn Ban for unincorporated Whatcom County; it will remain in effect until further notice .  For more information, see the following site for more information about this announcement: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/381/Fire-Marshal

Governor Inslee has issued an Emergency Proclamation titled "Wildfires-Burn Ban".  This burn ban "imposes a temporary outdoor burn ban by prohibiting all outdoor and agricultural burning in all 39 Washington Counties until noon on Thursday September 30, 2021." Of equal importance is another phrase in the proclamation:  "Nothing in this order supersedes more restrictive provision of the counties, municipalities, fire districts, other political subdivision, or public or private landowners." If you review Whatcom County's Stage 2 Burn Ban you will see it IS more restrictive.  Additionally, national park service, US Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, individual fire districts, etc. have their own set of rules which you must review and comply with.

American citizens and permanent residents of the United States, who currently reside in the U.S. and who qualify as fully vaccinated travelers, will be able to enter Canada for discretionary travel starting August 9.  Details can be obtained by visiting https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/menu-eng.html .  There are additional requirements for travel so see the CBSA website.

State Route 9:  The full closure of SR-9 is complete; however, there will be intermittent single lane closures continuing through the month of August and possible into September. More information will forthcoming.  Expect some delays during this time. as crews continue to complete the project.  WSDOT has been committed to fish barrier correction for more than three decades. A single removed barrier can deliver impressive benefits improving fish habitat both upstream and downstream. Interested in learning more about fish passages, check out our latest fish passage annual report. 

Inland Weather

We have a couple of days of warm weather yet before the temperatures drop down to the average or even a little lower plus there is even a chance for some rain Thursday night into Friday.  But before that, look for highs in the upper 70s in Bellingham today, mid to upper 70s in Point Roberts, mid-80s in Sumas and about the same in Newhalem.  It is possible there could be some thunder in the foothills and Point Roberts will see some northwest winds gusting to 23 mph to today and switching to a southerly direction tonight dropping off a little bit.  The rest of the county will generally see a southerly breeze.  Expect the haze to continue today and tomorrow due to the smoke from wildfires on the east side of the Cascades and those burning in British Columbia.

The fire danger remains high.  Before engaging in any outdoor work (e.g. cutting wood, using a weed eater, welding, etc.) or outdoor activities, think through what might create sparks or enough heat to ignite dry fuels.  Where you park and the surface you park your vehicle (e.g. concrete, asphalt or grass) plays a huge role in possible ignition.  You make the difference.  Thank you.

**As we enter these warm to hot summer days, it is absolutely crucial you keep the following in mind if you have small children or pets in your vehicle.  It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature to reach 104 degrees if the outside temperature is 85 degrees.  In 20 minutes, the temperature will  reach 114 degrees.  And in 30 minutes, it will be 119 degrees.** 

Rivers and Streams

Flows within the rivers and streams of Whatcom County are normal; expect them to continue to flow steady at current levels.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Onshore flow will continue over the next several days with high pressure offshore and low pressure inland.  A frontal system will likely affect the area Thursday and Friday.  Winds.  Today:  W wind 5-15 knots.  Wind waves 2' or less.  Haze.  Tonight:  W S wind 15-25 knots.  wind waves 2-4'.  Haze in the evening.  A slight chance of showers in the evening.  Tomorrow:  S wind 5-15 knots becoming SW in te afternoon.  wind waves 2' or less.  Haze.  Tomorrow Night.  S wind 10-20 knots rising to 15-25 knots after midnight.  Wind waves 2-4'.      

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Fire Hazards

Fuels are dry with lower humidity and temperatures that can be expected to reach into the 80s.   Know what your local jurisdictions restrictions are concerning recreational fires, barbeques, etc. by checking your local jurisdictions website or contacting your local fire district.  For unincorporated Whatcom County residents visit the Whatcom County Fire Marshal's website at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/381/Fire-Marshal.   

See Advisories, Watches, and Warnings above for new or updated fire hazard restrictions (e.g. Stage 2 Burn Ban; Governor Inslee Wildfire Emergency Proclamation).

Before a wildfire threatens your area…

In and around your home

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. Learn more about the basics of defensible space on the Firewise website.
• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
• Learn more about how to protect your home and property at www.firewise.org.

Creating an emergency plan

• Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications and personal identification.
• Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.
• Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place.
• Learn more about emergency preparedness planning on NFPA’s emergency planning webpage.

In your community:

• Contact your local planning/zoning office to find out if your home is in a high wildfire risk area, and if there are specific local or county ordinances you should be following.
• If you are part of a homeowner association, work with them to identify regulations that incorporate proven preparedness landscaping, home design and building material use.
• Talk to your local fire department about how to prepare, when to evacuate, and the response you and your neighbors can expect in the event of a wildfire.
• Learn about wildfire risk reduction efforts, including how land management agencies use prescribed fire to manage local landscapes.
• Learn how you can make a positive difference in your community. 

During the time a wildfire is in your area…

• Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department. Get your family, home and pets prepared to evacuate. 
• Place your emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle. 
• Move patio or deck furniture, cushions, door mats and potted plants in wooden containers either indoors or as far away from the home, shed and garage as possible. 
• Close and protect your home’s openings, including attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors and pet doors to prevent embers from penetrating your home. 
• Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water. Firefighters have been known to use the hoses to put out fires on rooftops. 
• Leave as early as possible, before you’re told to evacuate. Do not linger once evacuation orders have been given. Promptly leaving your home and neighborhood clears roads for firefighters to get equipment in place to fight the fire, and helps ensure residents’ safety. 

After a wildfire has been contained…

• Continue to listen to news updates for information about the fire. Return home only when authorities say it is safe. 

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.