Whatcom County has extended its Stage 2 burn ban indefinitely, prohibiting all outdoor burning across the county as of July 30, 2026. This ban, which began earlier this summer, has no immediate end date and remains in effect through the weekend and beyond.
Road maintenance and construction projects are causing widespread disruptions. WSDOT has scheduled lane closures and detours on I-405, SR 532, and SR 522 from July 27 through August 7, with nightly closures on I-405 and SR 527 starting July 27. Additionally, Hannegan Road will see single-lane closures from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily on August 5-6, and Mosquito Lake Road will be closed for chip seal work from August 11-13.
Bellingham has launched a new hate crime victim support program, offering immediate resources and assistance to individuals affected by hate crimes. The city also announced a citywide consumer fireworks ban effective July 30, 2026, to enhance public safety.
Bellingham is beginning a project to retrofit stormwater vaults with advanced sand technology, targeting phosphorus reduction in Lake Whatcom. The project aims to double the current phosphorus removal capacity.
Whatcom County Public Health has issued a water advisory for Lake Samish due to elevated microcystin levels, affecting private well users. The county also continues to monitor the Border 2 and Luna wildfires, which have grown to 3,500 and 392 acres, respectively.
What to watch next: Bellingham's public hearing on property sales and tax exemptions, scheduled for this week, will address development and election deadlines. The city will also implement fare adjustments for WTA transit services on September 1, 2026.