WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – There’s an increased risk of wildfires in Whatcom and Skagit counties through Wednesday evening.

The Washington State Emergency Management Division has issued a Fire Weather Watch for much of northwest Washington through 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16.

The watch is issued when there’s the possibility of “critical” fire conditions like warm temperatures, low humidity and strong gusty winds.

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal says wildfires are uncommon in our area but urges the public to stay prepared and as informed as possible.

Whatcom and Skagit counties both remain under a heat advisory through 10 p.m., when temperatures could climb to the mid-90s.