Smelling smoke? Air quality declines in Whatcom County amid wildfires in Canada
Air quality in Bellingham and Whatcom County was at moderate levels early Monday because of smoke from a wildfire in southern British Columbia, the Northwest Clean Air Agency said.
A moderate reading means that air quality could affect people who are sensitive to smoke, such as those with heart ailments or respiratory illnesses.
West-northwest winds will blow smoke from the Sailor Bar fire east of Vancouver toward Western Washington on Monday and Tuesday, according to FireSmoke Canada and the BC Wildfire Service. That fire is burning about 300 acres and was out of control early Monday.
While air quality is minimally affected in the U.S., an air quality warning was issued for eastern Vancouver, B.C., and its suburbs because of higher readings for ground-level ozone and fine particulates.
“The ozone (smog) warning is expected to last at least until Tuesday. The fine particular matter warning is expected to last Monday and Tuesday or until smoke conditions improve. The warnings will remain in effect until further notice,” according to MetroVancouver, an organization of cities and First Nations tribes.
This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 1:07 PM.
