"Border 2’s rapid growth to over 13,000 acres and the sustained deployment of up to 76 personnel highlight the significant resource commitment required for large, natural fires in the region. The eventual containment of 73% demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated firefighting efforts despite challenging terrain and weather."
Border 2 is a natural wildfire located 36 miles northeast of Marblemount in Whatcom County, Washington, under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The fire was first discovered on July 17, 2026, and by early August it had expanded rapidly, reaching 8,388 acres by August 7 and peaking at 13,604 acres on August 11. Containment remained at 0% until August 12, when it first reached 1% and slowly increased to 73% by September 29, with the acreage stabilizing around 8,043 acres. Personnel numbers fluctuated between 37 and 76, and estimated costs rose from $1,558,227 on August 7 to $5,288,729 by September 22. The fire’s behavior shifted from active, flanking, and backing conditions to moderate, backing, and creeping as containment improved.
Official source description: 36 Miles NE from Marblemount, WA
Moderate; Backing; Flanking; Creeping
The fire remains in a moderate, backing, and creeping state with 73% containment. Residents in the vicinity should remain vigilant for potential flare-ups and follow any local advisories. General wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed, avoid fire-prone areas, and have an evacuation plan ready.
IRWIN ID: {A60CA689-BD59-4A2D-9BDC-CC551CEAFCA4}
Discovered: Jul 17, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: NPS
Est. Cost to Date: $5,288,729
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 9,108 acres as of September 22, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Border 2 Fire is 75% 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.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →