News

Air quality alert issued for Whatcom, Skagit Counties

Air quality alert issued for Whatcom, Skagit Counties

Photo: Saga Communications/Joe Teehan


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Smoke from wildfires in eastern Washington and British Columbia is creeping back into our region.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued an air quality alert for Whatcom and Skagit Counties through 9 a.m. Saturday, August 15th. Conditions were listed as “very unhealthy” at Artist Point, “unhealthy” in parts of Maple Falls, and “moderate” for Deming, Acme, and Lynden earlier Thursday.

Anyone sensitive to reduced air quality is advised to stay indoors with windows closed.

The air quality alert comes as wildfires continue to burn in the rural Cascades, including the Border 2 and Ptarmigan fires. The state’s three largest blazes – Sinlahekin, Kaiser Canyon, and Little Giant – have burned a combined total of over 400,000 acres.

Smoke from those fires is the likely culprit for reduced air quality in our region, as winds are coming in from the east.

Recent Headlines

24 hours ago in Health and Wellness, Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Air quality rapidly declines in Whatcom County

Smoke is likely coming from ongoing wildfires in BC.

1 day ago in Business, Government, Local, Trending

Bellingham to hold public hearing for proposed affordable housing incentive

The city council is considering an ordinance that would exempt some city-funded development projects from most zoning and land use regulations.

1 day ago in Community Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Traffic

Bike ride through Whatcom, Skagit Counties may cause delays

Cyclists are travelling from Seattle to Vancouver in two days starting Saturday.

1 day ago in Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Fire weather watch issued for eastern Whatcom County

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to hit the region from late Friday night into Saturday evening.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Noisy Waters Mural Festival announces 2026 winners

Three new murals will grace the streets of Bellingham in 2027.