Whatcom wildfires combine near border

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The North Cascades National Park Service Complex (NPS) issued a press release today, July 22, 2026, stating fire activity has increased on the Border 1 and Border 2 Fires due to weather conditions.

According to NPS, the Border 1 and Border 2 Fires have combined into the Border 2 Fire, estimated at about 300 acres. The fire is burning along the US-Canada border about 1.5 miles east of Hozomeen, and has crossed the international border into Canada and east onto Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands.

The lightning-caused Border 2 Fire is being managed under a full-suppression strategy.

Firefighters have been supported by air resources including air attack aircraft, a scooper, a Type-2 helicopter and a Type-3 helicopter delivering water and performing air reconnaissance, according to NPS.

A Type-3 Incident Commander arrives July 22, 2026, and will take command of the Border 2 Fire on July 23, 2026, under a Type-3 Incident Management organization. An additional 9-person crew arrives July 22, 2026, traveling by boat to the Hozomeen area on Ross Lake.

According to NPS, the Olympic Wildland Fire Module, a firefighting squad, is providing structure protection in the area.

The north end of Ross Lake is closed to recreational use and vessel and foot traffic across the US and Canada border is prohibited.

Eastern Whatcom County wildfires location map as of July 22, 2026. Source: Watch Duty app

Minimal smoke is reportedly visible from the Luna Fire, estimated at about 22 acres. The Mission Valley Suppression Module is conducting suppression efforts with assistance from a Type-3 helicopter, according to NPS.

According to NPS, fire restrictions took effect June 29, 2026, banning campfires, wood, briquettes and fuel in fire pits, fire pans and grills across the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Gas or propane stoves, grills or lanterns are permitted if no flammable material is within 3 feet.

Drones are prohibited in the area to prevent harm to firefighters.

The Washington Department of Ecology noted today that while the smaller fires around Ross Lake do not pose much of an immediate threat to populated communities, their location will make it difficult to manage these fires, and significant growth is expected.