South Whatcom Fire Authority to end EMS and rescue service in some recreation areas

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) has reached agreement with the City of Bellingham and is currently in negotiation with Washington State Parks. But, according to a media release published today, Friday, May 1, 2026, Whatcom County recently notified SWFA it would not enter into an agreement. As a result, services will not be provided in some recreational areas.

Effective July 1, 2026, SWFA will change response protocols for outdoor recreation areas located outside its legal boundaries. The SWFA Board of Fire Commissioners decided to stop providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and rescue services in specific recreation areas.

Affected areas include the following.

Lake Whatcom
Lookout Mountain
Chuckanut Mountain, excluding Larrabee State Park
parts of Galbraith Mountain, excluding the Galbraith Mountain Recreation Easement area

Lake Samish is not affected by these changes.

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SWFA officials stated they have attempted negotiations with Whatcom County since 2023. Whatcom County recently notified SWFA it would not enter into an agreement. According to the media release, emergency responses in these recreation areas have increased since SWFA was formed in 2009. The board determined that continuing services without a compensation agreement is not a responsible use of tax dollars.

SWFA secured an agreement last year with the City of Bellingham to continue providing EMS services to the Galbraith Mountain Recreation Easement area. The agency will also continue responding to Larrabee State Park for a period while negotiating an agreement with Washington State Parks. Mutual aid agreements with other Whatcom County agencies and a joint fire protection agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remain in effect.

SWFA stated delays in service will occur as a result of the change. The public is instructed to continue calling 911 to report emergencies.