Last updated on April 19, 2021
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. —Whatcom Fire District 1 (WCFD1) firefighters were dispatched to a fire in an area with stacks of fallen trees in the 3100 block of Mount Baker Highway about 3:55pm, April 18th.
By 6pm, the firefighting continued with the active fire that had made its way uphill onto forested land to the east, south and west.
WCFD1 Fire Chief Mel Blankers said they positioned a couple fire engines to provide protection to some structures above the fire area and nearby residents were not instructed to evacuate.
According to radio transmissions from the scene, a drone was launched to provide a view from above the fire area to assist in determining the extent of the fire and risk to structures.
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Water supply to the fire was being provided by several brush trucks with water tanks and tender units.
Traffic was reduced to a single lane by the fire. Drivers are advised to avoid the area.
Around 11pm, Whatcom County firefighters handed the scene over to Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) firefighters. About 1am, April 19th, they were called back to assist DNR due to increasing winds that were reported to be rebuilding fires.
Whatcom County firefighters handed the scene back over to DNR crews about 7:35am.
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When asked if the fire began as a permitted burn, DNR Spokesperson Janet Pearce said it was under investigation.
Pearce said the fire covered approximately 8 to 10 acres and, as of 9am, DNR crews remained on scene mopping up hotspots. A DNR helicopter was on scene last night but not today, April 19th, according to Pearce.
Blankers said a DNR helicopter was making runs between nearby Squalicum Lake to the fire area dropping water over the area the evening of April 18th.
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