News

Containment efforts on Border 2 Fire see significant progress

Containment efforts on Border 2 Fire see significant progress

Border 2 Fire firefighter preps for helicopter operations Photo by Terry Lim/Courtesy of National Parks Service Photo: Contributed


WHATOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Efforts to contain Whatcom County’s largest wildfire saw some more progress this week.

The Border 2 Fire is burning across just over 17,000 acres northeast of Ross Lake as of Thursday, Aug. 20. The majority of the blaze is in Canada, while nearly 7,300 acres are in the U.S.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, it’s now 43% contained.

Just west of Ross Lake, the Luna Fire has seen minor growth, now burning roughly 4,500 acres with still no containment.

Neither fire is expected to be fully contained until November.

Much of the state’s resources are still going towards several larger blazes in Chelan and Okanogan counties.

Recent Headlines

22 hours ago in Health and Wellness, Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Air quality rapidly declines in Whatcom County

Smoke is likely coming from ongoing wildfires in BC.

23 hours ago in Business, Government, Local, Trending

Bellingham to hold public hearing for proposed affordable housing incentive

The city council is considering an ordinance that would exempt some city-funded development projects from most zoning and land use regulations.

23 hours ago in Community Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Traffic

Bike ride through Whatcom, Skagit Counties may cause delays

Cyclists are travelling from Seattle to Vancouver in two days starting Saturday.

23 hours ago in Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Fire weather watch issued for eastern Whatcom County

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to hit the region from late Friday night into Saturday evening.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Noisy Waters Mural Festival announces 2026 winners

Three new murals will grace the streets of Bellingham in 2027.