Luna Fire Grows in North Cascades + FEMA Help in Sumas Ends Tomorrow

Happy Thursday, Bellingham. It is July 9 and we have a full board this morning: an active wildfire growing in the North Cascades, a public appeal for a missing hiker now two weeks overdue, a federal help center closing tomorrow, and a historic milestone at the Bellingham Fire Department. Let's get into it.

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Today’s Weather: Mostly sunny with a high near 73. South southwest winds around 8 mph. A slight chance of rain moves in late tonight after 1am. Full forecast from the National Weather Service.

Safety

Luna Fire Grows to Seven Acres in the North Cascades

A lightning-sparked wildfire in a remote corner of the North Cascades has grown to roughly seven acres, drawing suppression crews and helicopter support as firefighters work to keep it from spreading into surrounding forest.

The Luna Fire is burning southwest of Luna Camp in North Cascades National Park, along the Big Beaver Trail in steep terrain made up largely of rock scree. Investigators believe it ignited during a lightning storm on June 24. It covered about one acre when first spotted in early July, grew to 5.5 acres by July 7, and reached seven acres as of Wednesday.

A Warm Springs Wildland Fire Module was inserted on July 3, with three helicopters running water drops. Two nearby fires -- the Rigby and Little Beaver -- were fully contained over the weekend. No evacuations or trail closures in the Big Beaver area. A Stage 1 Burn Ban remains in effect across Whatcom County. Real-time updates on Watch Duty. Full fire coverage here.

Safety

Search for Missing Hiker Steven Dorsett Enters Its Third Week

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who traveled the North Cascades backcountry in late June or early July to review their trail photos and check their memory for a solo hiker named Steven Dorsett.

Steven Dorsett, 55, was last heard from on June 24 leaving the Canyon Creek Trailhead on State Route 20. He planned a 10-day trip to Corral Lake and was expected back around July 5 -- he is now more than two weeks overdue. He is 5'7", approximately 165 lbs, with a green Gregory Paragon 48L backpack, green Marmot tent, and green Marmot sleeping bag.

Deputies have named four specific search areas for recent backcountry travelers to review: Harts Pass, Pasayten Trail, Big Craggy, and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Even uncertain sightings are worth reporting. Call 911 for urgent tips or the Sheriff's non-emergency line at 360-778-6911. Full details on the search and how to help.

Civic

FEMA's In-Person Help in Sumas Closes Tomorrow -- Act Before 5pm Friday

Whatcom County residents who suffered damage or displacement in last December's flooding have one more day to access in-person federal disaster assistance. The FEMA Disaster Assistance Center at the Sumas Advent Christian Church, 125 Front St in Sumas, closes after 5pm on Friday, July 10.

The center has been helping flood-affected residents complete applications, navigate SBA loan options, and appeal denied claims since late April. Bilingual staff are on hand for Spanish-speaking community members.

After Friday, phone help remains at 1-800-621-3362 and online at DisasterAssistance.gov -- but in-person guidance is far easier. Bring your ID, proof of residence at the time of the flood, and any damage documentation today or Friday before 5pm. Full details on what to bring and what the center covers.

Community

Bellingham Fire Department Names Its First Female Chief-Level Officer

The Bellingham Fire Department made history this week, welcoming Rachel Carlson as its newest Assistant Chief. Chief Carlson is the first woman to hold a chief-level command position in the department's history.

Her appointment came alongside a farewell ceremony for the BFD Class of 2026 -- eleven retiring firefighters and staff with more than 280 combined years of service.

Chief Carlson brings more than two decades of experience spanning law enforcement and fire service, most recently as Fire Chief at Whatcom County Fire District 1. She holds a Master's in Public Administration, has completed the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, and is working toward a Doctorate in Public Administration.

Read the full story on Chief Carlson and the Class of 2026 retirees.

Safety

Sudden Valley's Fire Station Is Weeks Away from Reopening After a 2.5-Year Closure

South Whatcom Fire Authority says Station 22 in Sudden Valley is nearly ready to reopen after more than two years offline. Administrative staff have moved back in, with response personnel expected to follow in the latter half of July. The station closed in January 2024 after frozen pipes caused major water damage, and the district used the closure to complete a full renovation with 24/7 staffing upgrades.

For a community with winding roads and steep terrain, having a local station matters a lot. South Whatcom Fire plans a community open house once the renovation wraps up. More on the renovation and what it means for the community.

Out & About

Fourth Corner Punk Fest Returns to Bellingham

Jesse Goodwin's Fourth Corner Punk Fest is back in Bellingham. A new profile in Salish Current captures how the event has grown from a scrappy local show into a Pacific Northwest community gathering -- open to all ages, a movement as much as a music event. Check the Fourth Corner Punk Fest social channels for lineup, venue, and schedule details.

More this week: The Bellingham Bells won a tight 3-2 game over the Everett Merchants at Joe Martin Field Wednesday night. Check bellinghambells.com for home game times. The Bellingham Festival of Music continues through July -- free open rehearsal on July 16, full schedule at bellinghamfestival.org.

The Upcoming Week