"The fire’s rapid expansion to nearly 15,000 acres in just six days and the high personnel and cost commitments highlight its significant impact on the region’s resources and the challenges of managing a natural wildfire in a remote area."
Border 2 is a natural wildfire in Whatcom County, Washington, discovered on July 17, 2026. The fire has grown from 6,249 acres on August 6 to a peak of 14,716 acres on August 12, then fluctuated, eventually stabilizing around 7,800 acres by late August. Containment remained at 0% until August 12 when it first reached 1%, rising to 73% by August 29 and holding at 72-73% through early September. Personnel peaked at 76 on August 7 and have since ranged from 36 to 74. Estimated costs climbed from $1.56 million on August 7 to $4.77 million by September 7. Fire behavior has shifted from active, flanking, and backing phases to moderate, backing, and creeping as containment improved.
Official source description: 36 Miles NE from Marblemount, WA
Moderate; Backing; Flanking; Creeping
With containment now over 70% and fire behavior moderate, general wildfire safety precautions remain advised. Residents should stay informed of local updates and avoid outdoor activities that could spark new fires.
IRWIN ID: {A60CA689-BD59-4A2D-9BDC-CC551CEAFCA4}
Discovered: Jul 17, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: NPS
Est. Cost to Date: $4,832,200
Coordinates: 48.9982, -121.0277
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The Border 2 Fire has burned 8,171 acres as of September 14, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Border 2 Fire is 73% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Border 2 Fire is burning in Whatcom, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Border 2 Fire remains active.
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