2 new fires discovered in North Cascades National Park Service Complex

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — According to the North Cascades National Park Service, 2 new fires were discovered following lightning storms this week. The Border 1 Fire, first reported about 6pm yesterday, Thursday, July 16, 2026, is about 1 acre and the Border 2 Fire, first reported about 11pm yesterday, is about 0.25 acres. Both fires are located in Whatcom County close to the United States-Canada border and east of Ross Lake.

Scattered thunderstorms and winds appeared over the mountains through late Thursday evening, with a hotter and drier weather pattern returning Friday.

According to the North Cascades National Park Service, a Type-1 helicopter will deliver water to support both fires. The Olympic Wildland Fire Module arrives today to continue suppression efforts.

For the 22-acre Luna Fire, first detected on July 2, 2026, and located west of Ross Lake, the Warm Springs Wildland firefighters were demobilized and the Mission Valley Suppression firefighters were inserted earlier this week to continue suppression efforts. Firefighters are supported by a Type-3 helicopter and a Type-1 helicopter delivering water.

A portion of the Luna cross-country zone is closed in the McMillan Creek drainage area.

Fire restrictions went into effect on June 29, 2026. All campfires and the burning of wood, briquettes, or fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbecue grills are banned within the park complex.

Smoke may be visible from locations around the Ross Lake area. Drones are prohibited in the area, according to the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.