The South Lake Whatcom Fire occurred in August 2023 and was caused by a lightning strike during a recent storm. The fire primarily burned timber in the understory, grass, and shrubs, without reaching the forest canopy, which indicated a relatively low-intensity fire. It was managed using hand-dug fire lines and was reported 90% contained by September 1, 2023, and fully extinguished by September 27, 2023
. This fire affected the soil by significantly reducing the organic matter or duff layer depth in the burned areas compared to unburned sections, raising concerns about soil recovery, erosion, and potential impacts on water quality. Since Lake Whatcom is a critical drinking water source for Bellingham residents, the fire's proximity to the lake and its watershed streams is significant. There is concern that erosion and runoff from the fire area could carry sediments, ash, and potentially mobilize contaminants from legacy mining sites like the nearby Blue Canyon Coal Mine into the lake
. Post-fire management and ongoing monitoring are recommended, including expanded soil and water quality assessments and comparative studies of seasonal streams within the watershed to understand the fire's ecological impacts and aid recovery efforts
. The South Whatcom Fire Authority serves the communities around this area and is involved in fire management and public safety
. Whatcom County has multiple fire districts that provide fire suppression and emergency services in the region
