Whatcom County's Stage 2 burn ban remains in effect through at least the coming days, while two lightning-sparked wildfires continue burning in the remote eastern reaches of the county near Ross Lake. After a partly cloudy Monday with pleasant afternoon temperatures, residents can expect rain to return Tuesday before drier conditions settle in for the rest of the week.
Wildfires in the East: Border 2 and Luna Fires
The Border 2 Fire and Luna Fire are both burning within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex under full suppression management. Fire activity on the Border 2 Fire decreased on July 25, but picked back up on July 26 under warmer, drier conditions. As of the latest update, the Border 2 Fire is estimated at 1,255 acres and is located approximately 0.8 miles from the Hozomeen area near the Canadian border at the northeast end of Ross Lake.
Suppression resources at Hozomeen include two Type-3 helicopters, Air Attack aircraft, four Scoopers, two Wildland Fire Modules, and one ground firefighting crew. Personnel are installing hose lay along the road system in preparation for potential defensive firefighting operations to protect structures in the area.
The Luna Fire, which ignited July 2, is estimated at 330 acres and remains east of Big Beaver Creek and north of McMillan Creek. Area, trail, and camp closures are in effect around both fires for public safety. Smoke is affecting the Ross Lake corridor, and visitors should anticipate impacts. All campfires and the burning of wood, briquettes, or other solid fuels are banned throughout the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Gas and propane devices are permitted only when no flammable material is within three feet. Drones are also prohibited in the fire areas.
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management notes it is aware of the fires in the far eastern part of the county around Ross Lake but has no direct involvement in suppression activities at this time. More information is available through the North Cascades National Park Service.
Burn Ban and Fire Danger Remain High
A county-wide Stage 2 burn ban took effect at 8 a.m. on July 17 and remains in place until further notice. Under a Stage 2 ban, all open burning is prohibited, including residential debris burning, recreational fires, and agricultural burning. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has set fire danger for the Whatcom County lowlands at High and the Cascades at Moderate to High.
The Washington Department of Ecology declared a drought for Whatcom County on April 8, 2026, a designation that remains active. Though the U.S. Drought Monitor does not currently place Whatcom County in an official drought category, the combination of the state drought declaration and high fire danger is driving the burn ban extension. Residents who violate the Stage 2 ban can face fines and enforcement action from county officials.
Air quality on Monday morning was rated good in most areas of the county, with a few spots showing levels that could irritate sensitive individuals. Residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to monitor the Whatcom County Health and Community Services wildfire smoke page for up-to-date air quality data, particularly as winds shift and smoke from the eastern fires can drift into populated lowland areas.
Weather Outlook and What to Watch This Week
Monday brought dry conditions to the Whatcom County lowlands, with morning clouds giving way to afternoon sunshine and temperatures climbing into the low to mid-70s. Southerly winds gusted to around 20 to 25 mph through Monday afternoon and overnight.
Tuesday will be cloudier and a few degrees cooler, with isolated rain showers possible through the day before tapering off late in the afternoon. Rain totals are expected to remain light. Winds on Tuesday could gust to 25 to 30 mph, particularly around Bellingham. A small craft advisory for the Northern Inland Waters of Whatcom County is in effect from 5 a.m. through 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Conditions then improve significantly for the remainder of the week. Skies will be mainly clear Wednesday through the weekend, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-to-upper 70s and approaching 80 degrees in some spots. Winds will be light after Tuesday.
CERT Training Now Open in East Whatcom
The county's Division of Emergency Management has opened enrollment for a Community Emergency Response Team basic training course in East Whatcom County. Classes run Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting August 5 and running through September 23, 2026. The training is held at Kendall Fire Station 92. Residents interested in enrolling can email the Division of Emergency Management directly. CERT training teaches basic emergency response skills that allow community members to help neighbors and co-workers in a disaster before professional responders arrive.
Residents can also sign up for Whatcom County emergency alerts through WhatcomReady.org to receive notifications about fire activity, air quality, and other hazards directly to their phones or email. With active wildfires in the east and elevated fire danger across the county, having alerts enabled is especially important this summer.
