"The fire’s rapid early growth and sustained size of over 600 acres, combined with the deployment of up to 95 personnel and a cost exceeding $2.5 million, highlight significant resource commitment and potential risk to nearby communities."
The Electric wildfire, located 7 miles north of Marblemount in Whatcom County, Washington, was first discovered on August 23, 2026. The fire grew rapidly from 15 acres on August 25 to 500 acres by August 27, with 27 personnel on the scene and an estimated cost of $100,000. Over the following weeks the fire remained around 500–622 acres, with containment progressing from 0% on September 1 to 90% by September 17, while personnel peaked at 95. The cause remains undetermined and the U.S. Forest Service is the jurisdictional agency. Current behavior is minimal, creeping, and smoldering, indicating a low‑intensity, slow‑moving fire.
Official source description: 7 Miles N from Marblemount, WA
Minimal; Creeping; Backing; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Darrington. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire now minimal and 90% contained, general wildfire safety precautions remain advised: stay informed of local updates, avoid outdoor activities near the fire perimeter, and be prepared for potential changes in fire behavior.
IRWIN ID: {9E33D836-7B10-46EA-9F26-9966F6392D81}
Discovered: Aug 23, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $3,003,630
Coordinates: 48.6524, -121.4353
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The Electric Fire has burned 495 acres as of September 17, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Electric Fire is 90% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The Electric Fire is burning in Whatcom, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Electric Fire remains active.
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