There is a significant wildfire known as the Blue Canyon Fire near the Hertz Trail, just north of Blue Canyon Road in the southeast part of Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County, Washington. The fire started around August 28, 2023, likely caused by lightning, and has burned approximately 20 to 30 acres of steep terrain

. As of August 29, 2023, Level 2 evacuation warnings were issued specifically for residents on Blue Canyon Road due to the fire’s proximity and potential hazards like falling debris. No other evacuation orders were in place, and there was no immediate threat to properties outside that area

. The fire is under the command of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, with coordination from Whatcom County Fire District 18 and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management. Fire crews are actively working to control the blaze, using water scooped from Lake Whatcom itself

. Historically, the Blue Canyon area near Lake Whatcom is also known for the Blue Canyon Coal Mine, which suffered a tragic mining disaster in 1895 that killed 23 miners. The mine operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before closing in 1919, and the area later experienced a fire in 1920 caused by a spark from a passing locomotive

. In summary, the Blue Canyon Fire near Lake Whatcom in Whatcom County is a recent wildfire event with active firefighting efforts and evacuation warnings for local residents, while the area also holds historical significance due to past mining activity and disasters.