There’s a fire on the mountain. Here’s what Whatcom residents should do
If you see a fire this time of year in the hills around Bellingham and Whatcom County, don’t call 911 right away.
Instead, check the state Department of Natural Resources website for a “permitted burn,” one that’s intentionally set to clear logging slash or make a forest less likely to burn in summer, when it’s hot and dry.
That was the case Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 15-16, emergency officials said on social media as a fire put on a dramatic show for some Whatcom County residents in the evening twilight Tuesday.
“There is a permitted Department of Natural Resources burn seven miles up on the east side of Lake Whatcom that is very visible. No need to call 911,” officials at the What-Comm dispatch center said on Facebook.
South Whatcom Fire Authority, which serves Geneva, Sudden Valley and other areas south of Bellingham, notified residents on Facebook.
“We are aware of a DNR-permitted burn that is extremely visible in the area of Stewart Mountain, looking across the lake from Sudden Valley/Geneva neighborhoods. The fire is controlled, but is producing smoke and visible flames, especially as darkness sets in,” fire officials said,
In summer, smoke wafting out of the trees warrants a call to 911, said Vaugh Cork, fire regulation manager for the DNR.
But that’s not the case in fall and winter, Cork told The Bellingham Herald.
“This is normal for this time of year. It’s necessary burning done under very low fire damage conditions,” he said.
“You’re just seeing it right now because it’s so sunny and clear. It normally happens beneath the rain and clouds,” Cork said.
This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
CORRECTION: The photographer’s name was corrected in the photo credit on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.
