Eastern Whatcom County wildfire growing quickly, structures threatened
A wildfire burning out of control in the North Cascades of eastern Whatcom County has grown to more than 600 acres and is threatening buildings.
In a report issued Monday morning, the National Interagency Fire Center said the Perry Fire is above Ross Lake in the North Cascades National Park. It is burning in timber about 16 miles northeast of Newhalem.
“Active fire behavior with backing, uphill runs and short crown runs. Structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect,” the report said.
Fire activity increased over the weekend on the Perry Fire, which was sparked by lighting Wednesday night as dry thunderstorms rumbled through the mountains.
Warm temperatures, windy conditions and low humidity are allowing it to grow in size quickly. It was estimated at 250 acres on Saturday.
“Steep, difficult, and cliffy terrain pose significant threat to firefighter safety which limits direct line on the Perry Fire,” the North Cascades National Park Service Complex said Saturday in a statement.
Currently, a single helicopter crew is dropping water on the fire.
“Additional resources, including a type-1 wildland fire module (has) been ordered to support active suppression operations,” the park service said.
In general terms, that refers to a wildland team of seven to 10 firefighters.
Several North Cascades hiking trails in the Little Beaver area of Ross Lake were closed because of the fire.
This story was originally published September 1, 2025 at 12:52 PM.
