Massive Wildfire Crosses Border As Flames Spread Through Remote Washington Forest

Video shows the Border 2 Fire burning in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, between Ross Lake and Hozomeen Mountain along the U.S.–Canada border.

The fire was started by lightning on July 16, 2026. Originally two separate fires, Border 1 and Border 2, merged into one larger wildfire.

The blaze has grown to approximately 6,400–7,000 acres with 0% containment. Fire behavior remains active, including group torching, uphill runs, and short-range spotting in steep, rocky, remote timber terrain.

The fire has crossed into British Columbia, Canada, where it is known as the Hozomeen Mountain Wildfire, and has also moved onto Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands.

Fire crews are using a full suppression strategy, including structure protection efforts around the Hozomeen area with structure wrap and firing operations.

Multiple trail, camp, and lake closures remain in effect as crews continue responding to the wildfire. No injuries or structure losses have been reported.