WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Thunderstorms in Whatcom and Skagit County are prompting officials to keep a close eye on the foothills.

Though we’ve just come out of a wet spring, and fire danger is technically considered low, they say lightning strikes could still spark a wildland blaze.



Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer John Heckman says there’s the chance for more overnight lighting in the foothills as long as the current atmospheric conditions continue.

He says the crews that are here in the northwest are ready to respond on a moment’s notice, but much of this area’s personnel and equipment is in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana helping fight fires already burning there.