Whatcom County Fire District 1

10/10/2026

Meet Fire Chief, Brian Atkins. In this video he discusses Fire District 1, and the unique challenges they face when it comes to keeping our community safe.

10/09/2026

Fire Prevention Week: If It Feels Hot, Stop Charging!

If your phone, laptop, e-bike battery, power tool battery, or other lithium-ion device feels unusually hot while charging, stop charging it and unplug it.

Heat can be a warning sign. Do not ignore it or assume it is normal.

Move the device away from anything flammable and let it cool.

With lithium-ion batteries, if something doesn't feel right, don't take the risk.

10/08/2026

Stop by and see members of your District 1 Team at the Flood Preparedness event at Nooksack Valley Middle School, next Wednesday from 5-7pm.

With flood season approaching, Executive Satpal Sidhu officially proclaims Oct. 12th - Oct. 18th to be "Flood Preparedness Week".

This proclamation is part of a countywide effort brings together local government, emergency responders, and community partners to help residents prepare before flooding happens, while spotlighting flood mitigation projects underway and the County's work to build greater flood resilience.

You can learn more about these projects and how your household can prepare for flooding at our Flood Preparedness Open House - Weds. Oct. 14th from 5PM-7PM at Nooksack Valley Middle School. More details can be found here: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/5734

10/08/2026

Fire Prevention Week: Charge Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely!

Lithium-ion batteries power our e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, and countless other devices, but when damaged, defective, or improperly charged, they can cause rapidly spreading fires.

When possible, charge lithium-ion batteries outside and away from your home, garages, exits, and any flammable materials.

⚡ Remember:
• Use the charger designed for the battery.
• Inspect batteries for damage before charging.
• Never charge a damaged or recalled battery.
• Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
• Unplug when charging is complete.

Treat lithium-ion batteries with respect. A few simple precautions can help prevent a fire.

10/07/2026

Meet Assistant Fire Chief Greg Macy. He’s a lifelong District 1 resident, so he’s seen how our community’s growth impacts the local fire service!

10/07/2026

Fire Prevention Week: Don’t Risk It with Cheap Chargers!

Not all chargers and charging cords are created equal. Cheap, counterfeit, or damaged chargers can overheat, spark, and create a serious fire risk.

⚡ Choose safety:
• Use chargers from reputable manufacturers.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace damaged cords or chargers.
• Don’t charge devices under pillows or blankets.

A cheap charger isn’t worth risking your home.

For more fire-safety information, visit NFPA.org

10/05/2026

There's still time to apply; reach out today and take the first step!

Are you interested in a rewarding career in the fire service?
Do you want to challenge yourself, develop your skills, and serve your community?

WCFD 1 is now accepting applications to establish a new eligibility list for our next cohort of volunteer firefighters, with fire academy training beginning in Spring 2027.

Volunteering is a great way to gain real-world experience and hands-on training while taking your first steps toward a career in the fire service.

We provide all training, PPE, and uniforms at no cost to selected volunteers.

To be considered for this cohort, please submit your completed application and attend an online Meet & Greet informational session before October 14, 2026.

Applications and the link to schedule your informational session are available on our website:

www.wcfd1.org/volunteering

Already have your EMT and/or Fire Certifications? We'd love to hear from you too!

*Candidates who have previously interviewed will need to submit new application materials for this hiring cycle.*

10/05/2026

Whatcom County Fire District 1 is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™ and the topic of "Charge into Fire Safety"™:

Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in. For more info: fpw.org.

10/04/2026

Whatcom County Fire District 1 has seen a significant increase in call volume in recent years, enough to challenge timely emergency response.

Add in rising costs from inflation, and the strain on the district's budget and capacity continues to grow.

Learn more about how the proposed Levy Lid Lift would address these challenges at https://www.wcfd1.org/2026-levy-lid-lift/

09/30/2026

Due to the increase in fuel moisture levels and recent rain, the Fire
Marshal’s Office will lift the burn ban for outdoor burning.

The burn ban will be lifted at 8:00AM on October 1st 2026 for the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County.

At that time, verbal burn permits will be available via the Outdoor Burning Information Line. Written burn permits for fires larger than 4’ X 4’ will be available at the Planning & Development Services Office located at 5280 Northwest Dr.

All outdoor burning requires a permit, except for legal recreational fires.

Considerations to remember as the burn ban is lifted:
• Please use extreme caution! Vegetation is still recovering from the long
stretch of dry weather and is susceptible to fire spread.
• Violations of these burn restrictions can result in a minimum $250.00 fine.

In addition, if you have an illegal fire that escapes or needs to be extinguished by the fire department, you may be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs and may be criminally charged for Reckless Burning.

If you have any questions about open burning in Whatcom County that were not answered by the Outdoor Burning Information Line, please contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 778-5900.