Two fires in Washington's rugged North Cascades corridor are continuing to burn with minimal impact on structures but significant effects on regional recreation and backcountry access. The Electric Fire near Marblemount and the Luna Fire in North Cascades National Park are both being managed as part of a broader multi-agency response across the Pacific Northwest this fire season.

Electric Fire — Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

The Electric Fire is burning approximately seven miles north of Marblemount in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Whatcom County. The fire started on August 23, 2026, and has consumed approximately 622 acres of federal timber, litter, and understory.

As of early September, the fire had reached approximately 24% containment following firefighting gains. Fire behavior has been described as minimal, with creeping, smoldering, and backing activity replacing the more active spread seen in earlier weeks. Road and trail closures remain in effect in the surrounding area.

A closure order covering portions of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the fire's vicinity is in effect from August 27, 2026, through October 31, 2026, unless rescinded earlier. The order prohibits entry on national forest system lands within the closure boundary.

Luna Fire — North Cascades National Park

The Luna Fire is burning approximately ten miles north of Newhalem in North Cascades National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The fire is burning in remote, rugged terrain deep within the park complex.

NPS fire managers are monitoring the Luna Fire closely. The remote location and terrain make direct suppression challenging, and crews have been focusing on protecting park values while maintaining firefighter safety. Park visitors should check current closure information before planning backcountry trips into affected drainages.

Contact North Cascades National Park Public Affairs at noca_publicaffairs@nps.gov for the latest information on park closures related to the Luna Fire, or visit the park's website at nps.gov/noca.

Context: A Heavy Fire Season for Washington's Cascades

These fires are among 16 active large fires burning across Washington state as of mid-September 2026, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Washington has been one of the most active states this fire season, alongside Oregon and Idaho, which together account for the majority of the nation's 93 active large fires.

The North Cascades region has experienced above-normal drought conditions and dry fuels through the summer, contributing to elevated fire risk across both national forest and national park lands.

Resources

  • Electric Fire InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov — search "Electric Fire MBS"
  • Luna Fire InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov — search "Luna Fire"
  • North Cascades NP: nps.gov/noca | (360) 854-7200
  • Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF: fs.usda.gov/mbs