Bright flames from the BP Cherry Point refinery lit up the sky across Whatcom County and southern B.C. May 26, 2026. (Photo: PNW Daily)
FERNDALE, Wash. — Residents near the bp Cherry Point Refinery can expect to see visible flaring over the next several weeks as the refinery carries out planned maintenance, and Whatcom County Fire District Seven is warning the community ahead of time to avoid a repeat of the concern generated by similar activity earlier this year.
WCFD7 shared information from bp Cherry Point about the upcoming maintenance after previous refinery flaring prompted numerous 911 calls and concern from nearby residents.
The fire district said the upcoming flaring is part of routine, planned work and does not represent an emergency.
Refinery Flaring Is Part Of Planned Maintenance
According to bp, the maintenance work may result in visible flaring over the next few weeks. Flares are a safety system used at refineries to safely manage excess gases during operations.
Bp personnel are working to minimize the flaring and will monitor emissions throughout the maintenance process, according to the information shared by WCFD7.
The advance notice gives residents a way to recognize the activity before seeing flames from the refinery and assuming an emergency is underway.
WCFD7 said it will continue to coordinate with its industry partners and monitor community safety during the maintenance.
Previous Flaring Prompted 911 Calls
The warning comes after a previous period of refinery flaring generated significant concern in the surrounding community.
In May, visible flaring at the Cherry Point refinery led residents to contact 911 after seeing the activity. WCFD7 and other agencies subsequently provided information explaining that the flaring was associated with refinery operations.
The latest notice is intended to put that information in residents’ hands before the planned maintenance begins.
Residents Can Contact BP With Questions
Bp Cherry Point has community affairs staff available 24 hours a day for residents who have questions about the planned maintenance or flaring.
Residents can contact bp Cherry Point at 360-371-1500 or by email at CHPCommunityAffairs@bp.com.
WCFD7 also directed residents to bp Cherry Point’s website for additional information about refinery flaring.
The fire district said it will continue coordinating with the refinery and monitoring community safety while the planned maintenance continues.
Previously: bp Cherry Point flaring prompts 911 calls in Whatcom County
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