LUMMI RESERVATION, Wash. — First responders were dispatched yesterday, Sunday, July 7, 2025, about 1:40pm to Portage Island due to reports of a brush fire on the southside of the island.
According to emergency services radio transmissions at the time, the land bridge to the island was not accessible due to the tide at the time. Firefighting personnel from Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which fights fires on state land, also responded with a helicopter.
Lummi Communcations reports Lummi Nation Police and Lummi Fire Department were first to arrive. A Bellingham Fire Department fire boat was working from the shore.
About 3:30pm, Lummi Communications said, “Slashing operations are now underway to create fire lines and reduce fuel sources.” A Lummi Natural Resources boat was reportedly transporting volunteers and equipment to and from the island.
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Lummi Communications estimated between 7 and 10 acres were burned in the fire.
It was reported that DNR would return this morning to check for any hot spots.
Locals told Whatcom News no one lives on the island permanently but camping there is popular.
There have been similar fires on the south side of the island in early July in 2009 and 2015. An investigation of the 2015 fire determined fireworks were the cause and an arrest made according to Lummi Communications.
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