Public Safety / Countywide
REGULAR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS – 2026
SOUTH WHATCOM FIRE AUTHORITY
WZX1 NEWS
Public Safety
Local coverage with direct links to the original sources.
Public Safety / Countywide
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS-SPECIAL MEETING-WORK SESSION – OCTOBER 15, 2026
SOUTH WHATCOM FIRE AUTHORITY
Public Safety / Bellingham
Bellingham Regional Fire Authority and Fire Benefit Charge Public Hearing
Calls for fire and emergency medical services have increased in Bellingham, and the cost to provide these services has also risen significantly. Forming a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) would secure new, dedicated funding for Fire and EMS and put millions of dollars back in the City’s budget to restore, maintain, and improve services the community relies on. Next week, the RFA Planning Committee is holding a public hearing where community members can learn about the proposed RFA plan and comment on the possible implementation of a fire benefit charge . Learn more on our event listing .
Public Safety / Bellingham
Bellingham Police Department Launches Drone as First Responder Program
The Bellingham Police Department (BPD) has launched a new Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, designed to help first responders get critical, real-time information within minutes of a 911 call.
Public Safety / Countywide
*BURN BAN OFF – OCTOBER 1, 2026*
The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office has lifted the outdoor burning restrictions for unincorporated Whatcom County, effective October 4th, 2025. Please see the below press release and visit the Fire Marshal’s Office website for details on how to burn safely and within the law.
Public Safety / Countywide
Latest news on local fire safety burn bans (updated Sept. 30)
Whatcom and Skagit counties have called off their fire safety burn ban on outdoor burning in rural areas as of Thursday, October 1. (See information below for details.)
Public Safety / Countywide
Special Meeting Workshop 10.02.26 9am
Special Meeting Workshop
Public Safety / Bellingham
Police, firefighters and animal-control staff assist two wandering donkeys
Two wandering donkeys were corralled by Bellingham Police and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office during the previous week, according to Bellingham’s September 24 newsletter.