Kaylee Galloway Whatcom County Councilmember

08/08/2026

07/16/2026

STAGE 2 BURN BAN

Due to increasingly dry weather conditions and low fuel moisture levels, the existing burn ban for Unincorporated Whatcom County will be upgraded to Stage 2, effective 8AM on Friday, July 17th 2026.

What this means:

ALL OPEN BURNING IS PROHIBITED, including but not limited to:
- Campfires (even in designated fire rings)
- Debris burning or brush piles
- Recreational fires of any kind

Allowed Activities (with extreme caution):
- Gas or propane stoves and grills with a shutoff valve are allowed in areas free of vegetation and with proper clearance.
- Propane and charcoal BBQs. Extreme care should be used when discarding ash and charcoal.
- Propane firepits without solid wood burning material

Why this matters:

Wildfire conditions are rapidly intensifying. Even a small spark can lead to a fast-moving, uncontrollable wildfire. The Stage 2 Burn Ban is a proactive step to reduce fire starts and keep our communities safe.

What you can do:

- Respect all fire restrictions and closures.
- Avoid activities that could cause sparks (e.g., welding, mowing dry grass, driving on tall vegetation).
- Stay updated through local fire agencies, DNR, and U.S. Forest Service websites.
- Contact any campgrounds you plan on visiting to learn about their restrictions.

07/05/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫
As we celebrate this season, let’s keep our community safe! Please read our latest press release on firework usage, safety tips, and local regulations. Let’s enjoy the festivities responsibly.
> https://www.whatcomcounty.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/5587

07/04/2026

Every 10 years, the next 20 years are meticulously planned. Public has one more chance to weigh in on July 14

07/04/2026

As our nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Whatcom County urges everyone to celebrate safely this Independence Day weekend by taking simple steps to protect our neighbors, natural spaces, and public property.

“America is full of incredible people, beautiful forests, and vital public infrastructure,” said County Executive Satpal Sidhu. “When you are celebrating this weekend, make sure that you are keeping each of those precious resources safe.”

Residents can help keep the community safe by following a few basic precautions:

* Protect people: Practice safe food handling when grilling by preheating and cleaning your grill and cooking meat to the recommended internal temperature.

* Protect forests: Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby when using fireworks, light only one firework at a time, and thoroughly soak used fireworks before disposing of them.

* Protect public spaces: Fireworks are illegal in State and County parks, as well as on County roads and rights-of-way. Please clean up after your celebrations by collecting and properly disposing of all trash and fireworks debris.

“By taking a few simple precautions, we can celebrate our nation's history while helping ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone,” Sidhu said.

“This weekend marks a special anniversary for our country,” said Council Chair Kaylee Galloway. “We can honor the occasion by being good neighbors and stewards of our environment as we celebrate.”

Following the holiday, residents are invited to join the Birch Bay Beach Cleanup on Sunday, July 5 along the Birch Bay Berm. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon with trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, and refreshments provided for volunteers.

For more safety tips - see the details here: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/5590

06/26/2026

This is tragic! Events like this are not just theoretical; it’s a matter of when not if. Fireworks can be devastating in so many ways. Reducing risk, supporting public safety, and the safety of our first responders are some among many reasons we need sensible firework regulations and restrictions. Learn more about my ordinance here: https://whatcom.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8068892&GUID=88A0964B-6591-48D5-8424-16307C515461

Three firefighters were hurt and two homes destroyed after 700 pounds of illegally stored fireworks exploded in a Whidbey Island neighborhood: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/whidbey-island-firework-explosion/281-a285c709-3b33-42d4-8162-ca8cf380ee42?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KING_5

05/26/2026

On this Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country and freedoms. Great ceremony today by the Albert J. Hamilton American Legion Post #7.

04/30/2026

Community Conversations is back for 2026! Join Councilmembers Barry Buchanan, Kaylee Galloway, and Jon Scanlon at the Fairhaven Library on Thursday, May 7 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. for a conversation about all things Whatcom County. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and learn about what's happening in county government. We hope to see you there!

Find out more at our website: www.whatcomcounty.us/4668

02/20/2026

It’s going to be a busy few months while we finish our Comprehensive Plan update. So please engage us along the way and share your perspectives!

Amendment process will continue every week through mid-May