Whatcom County Search & Rescue Council

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Boater Safely Rescued After Boat Becomes Lodged on Log Jam in Nooksack River

A 33-year-old man was safely rescued Sunday evening after his boat became lodged on a log jam in the Nooksack River near the 5300 block of Ferndale Road, according to the Whatcom County Water Rescue Task Force.

The task force was dispatched after receiving a report of a stranded boater. Officials said the man was wearing a life jacket and was not injured but was unable to free his boat after it became stuck in the log jam.

Rescuers safely reached the boater, recovered both him and his vessel, and transported him back to the nearby boat launch without incident.

According to Officer Cody Barry, public information officer for the Everson Police Department, the Whatcom County Water Rescue Task Force is a multi-agency team made up of personnel from the Everson Police Department, Sumas Police Department, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Whatcom County Search and Rescue. The task force provides specialized water rescue and recovery services throughout Whatcom County and responds to incidents on rivers and other waterways across the county.

The successful rescue is as another reminder of the importance of wearing a life jacket while on the water. In this incident, officials said the boater was properly equipped, and the situation ended without injuries.

This is a Bellingham Metro News original report.

REG FLAG WARNING for most of Whatcom County.

Update* Red Flag Warning has now been lifted!

RED FLAG WARNING

The US National Weather Service Seattle Washington has issued a Red Flag Warning for Fire Weather Zone 658, covering the West Slopes of the North Cascades Generally above 1500 Feet which includes portions of Whatcom County – from 1AM to 11PM Thursday July 16th, for lightning and gusty outflow winds resulting in increased fire danger.

Key Conditions to Know:

-Thunderstorms are expected early Thursday morning and again in the afternoon and evening.
-Wind: Erratic outflow winds capable of gusts 35-50 miles per hour

Why This Matters:

Lightning strikes in combination with the existing dry conditions and extreme winds can lead to rapidly growing wildfires. Thunderstorms also bring unpredictable wind shifts that can cause even small contained fires to get out of control quickly.

*Outdoor burning is prohibited in areas under Red Flag Warning*

Avoid activities that can cause sparks (grinding, welding, target shooting, etc.)

Please stay alert, follow local fire restrictions, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.

If you have seen this man or have any information please call 911 or 360-778-6911 to contact Whatcom County Sheriff.

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⚠️ 📢 REMINDER - OUTDOOR RECREATION RESPONSE CHANGES - JULY 1, 2026

This is a reminder and additional information regarding the upcoming changes to how South Whatcom Fire Authority responds to some outdoor recreation areas that fall outside of our jurisdiction.

The attached generalized map shows: SWFA jurisdiction boundaries (LIGHT PURPLE); ADDITIONAL AREAS WITH RESPONSE (YELLOW); NON-RESPONSE AREAS (BROWN).

✅ We will of course respond within our jurisdiction and all public roadways to all properties for all-hazards emergencies.
✅ We will continue to respond to all-hazards emergencies within the general Galbraith Mountain Recreation Easement Area (YELLOW AREA).
✅ We will continue to respond to all-hazards emergencies within the general Larrabee State Park area (YELLOW AREA).
✅ We will respond to fire-related incidents within all areas shown on the map due to an established agreement with Washington DNR.
✅ We have worked with our dispatch partners and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue Council to help expedite dispatching of those entities that will now be responding to the non-response areas (BROWN AREA).
✅ Any discrepancies or jurisdiction confusion during 911 calls or dispatch will receive a response as to not delay getting help started.

Please see our previous posts on this topic and original Media Release for more information on the history of this decision.

We welcome any questions to be directed to our office at (360) 676-8080 or [email protected].