A fire destroyed a workshop and barn at Grace Harbor Farms north of Custer on June 12, but no people or animals were injured and the farm’s dairy operations remain unaffected. The blaze broke out around 4:30 p.m. and consumed the structure, which housed several pet goats that were safely moved to a pasture. Farm owner David Lukens told The Bellingham Herald investigators have not officially determined the cause, but a charging off-brand 60-volt battery is suspected. Firefighters from North Whatcom Fire and Rescue prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby 500-gallon diesel tank. While the workshop was a total loss, Lukens described the outcome as a best-case scenario because no lives were lost and the creamery building was not damaged.
The North Cascades Highway reopened Sunday after crews completed repairs ahead of schedule, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT had initially hoped to reopen State Route 20 by the Fourth of July, then moved the target date to June 19 after work progressed faster than expected. The highway, a key route across the Cascade Mountains for Bellingham and Whatcom County residents, had been closed after winter storms damaged a 6-mile stretch between the Canyon Creek Trailhead and Granite Creek, from mileposts 142 to 148. WSDOT closes the highway each fall or winter because of avalanche danger, with reopening typically occurring in April or May.
A Stage 1 burn ban will take effect in unincorporated Whatcom County on Monday and remain in place through Sept. 15 as warmer, drier weather increases wildfire risk, according to the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office. The ban prohibits all land-clearing and yard debris burning, and existing burn permits will be suspended during the restriction period. Recreational fires will still be allowed if they meet county safety requirements. County officials encourage residents and visitors to review burn ban regulations and fire safety guidelines before lighting any outdoor fires this summer.
Rosario “Pete” Vasquez, who most recently served as chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine Sector, has been appointed chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced June 1. Vasquez, a 26-year Border Patrol veteran, oversaw border security operations along the U.S.-Canada border in Washington state and worked closely with federal, state, local, tribal and Canadian partners while leading the Blaine Sector. In his new role, Vasquez will lead nearly 20,000 Border Patrol agents and professional staff nationwide, directing efforts to combat transnational crime, human smuggling and narcotics trafficking. Vasquez gained one of the agency’s top leadership positions after a career that included assignments across the northern and southern borders, CBP headquarters and international postings.
