Wildfires are continuing to burn across Washington state, with the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County now the largest active blaze of the 2026 season and one of the biggest in the state’s recorded history.
Fire officials said the lightning-caused fire had spread across about 172,694 acres and was 81% contained as of Sunday, September 13. Around 1,000 personnel remained deployed to reinforce containment lines and watch for further growth.
At least 35 structures have been destroyed, including two primary homes, 13 secondary homes or cabins and 21 outbuildings. Evacuation orders remain in place at Levels 3, “Go Now”, 2, “Get Set”, and 1, “Get Ready”, depending on the area.
Washington wildfires continue to threaten communities
The Little Giant Fire began on July 15 after a lightning strike. Although containment has increased, officials have stressed that a fire described as 100% contained can still burn within its perimeter and generate smoke.
The Sinlahekin Fire, burning near Tonasket in Okanogan County, is the second-largest active wildfire in Washington this year. It has affected roughly 166,021 acres and was reported to be 76% contained on September 13.
The lightning-caused fire started on July 26 and has required the continued deployment of nearly 900 personnel. Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation orders remain in force in parts of the area.
Washington’s Department of Natural Resources has closed the Loomis State Forest because of hazards linked to the Sinlahekin Fire and ongoing firefighting operations. The closure also covers recreation sites used by hunters and other visitors during the autumn season.
Further north, the Ptarmigan Fire, near Mazama, has burned about 25,166 acres and was 73% contained. Several trails in the Pasayten Wilderness have been closed.
The Luna Fire in North Cascades National Park, near Diablo, has reached more than 7,878 acres and was 34% contained. Crews have reported minimal growth while carrying out risk assessments and protecting infrastructure around Diablo and Ross Lake Resort.
Nearby, the Border 2 Fire has spread across about 22,860 acres along the Washington-Canada border and was 73% contained. Investigators believe it was started by lightning in Washington before crossing into Canada, with trails and campgrounds closed in the surrounding area.
Fires remain active near Snoqualmie Pass
Several significant fires are burning around Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County. The Three Queens Fire, north of Kachess Lake, covers approximately 9,526 acres and was 20% contained.
The blaze began after a lightning strike on July 15 in steep and rocky terrain, where crews are working to establish control lines. Evacuation orders ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, together with forest closures, remain in place.
The Goat Fire, to the north-west, has burned about 813 acres and was 22% contained. A Level 3 evacuation warning is in effect for Salmon La Sac north of French Cabin Creek.
The King Fire, north of the Three Queens Fire in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, had reached 3,278 acres and remained at 0% containment on September 13. Its cause is under investigation.
In Chelan County, the Sisi Fire, about eight miles north-west of Stehekin, has burned 3,193 acres and was 5% contained. Firefighters initially withdrew after encountering falling debris and burning trees, and are now working to clear hazardous vegetation before strengthening control lines.
The West Fork Fire in Mount Rainier National Park has spread across about 310 acres since it was first reported as a five-acre vegetation fire on August 25. It was 16% contained as of September 8.
Paradise Fire threatens Walla Walla water supply
The Paradise Fire, about 20 miles east of Walla Walla, has burned approximately 9,654 acres and was 49% contained on September 13. The fire has spread across four counties and into the Mill Creek Watershed, a key source of drinking water.
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency over the threat to Walla Walla’s water supply. The watershed serves about 35,000 residents, while ash and sediment from the fire could increase the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows.
The governor’s declaration allows the city to seek federal assistance for measures intended to protect the water supply and reduce longer-term risks. Washington has also imposed a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning until September 30.
Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation orders remain in place around the Paradise Fire.
The High Lava Fire in Skamania County, north-east of Vancouver, has burned about 2,889 acres and was 63% contained. Officials have attributed the fire to lightning and said it has shown minimal growth as crews strengthen containment lines.
More than 900 structures destroyed in Spokane fires
Three fires in the Spokane area — Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview — have been fully contained after destroying more than 900 structures and forcing more than 60,000 people to evacuate.
The fires began on August 1 and spread rapidly in strong winds. The Old Trails Fire burned 3,176 acres, Autumn Lane covered 5,764 acres and the Fairview Fire affected about 992 acres.
Officials estimate rebuilding costs could reach $1 billion. All evacuation orders linked to the three fires have been lifted.
Several other large fires, including the Kaiser Canyon, Colwash, Modrite, Nunamaker Road and Lyons Ferry fires, have also reached full containment. Evacuations associated with those incidents have been lifted, although containment does not mean that every hot spot has been extinguished.
