Oregon DEQ has extended wildfire smoke air quality advisories through at least August 14 for counties across central and eastern Oregon. The advisory, first issued August 6 and extended multiple times, covers a region where 2.2 million acres are actively burning. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exposure.

The NWS issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Olympic Mountains and North Cascades Thursday as dry lightning and gusty winds threaten new ignitions. Red Flag Warnings have been in effect across central Washington and the Columbia Gorge all week. Above-average fire risk is forecast for the entire Pacific Northwest through September.

Idaho's Tartar Fire north of Weiser has reached 158,027 acres and approximately 89% containment after threatening the city and surrounding communities. Crews are now working interior mop-up and road repairs. Idaho has 10 large fires burning statewide, with above-average risk forecast through September.

200 Army soldiers from JBLM and two Air Force Reserve MAFFS C-130 airtankers have been deployed to Pacific Northwest wildfires as the 2026 season pushes national resources to their limits. Crews from Australia and New Zealand are also assisting. With 30,000+ personnel deployed nationally and NPL at maximum 5, 2026 is one of the busiest fire years on record.

Oregon's record-breaking 2026 fire season is renewing urgent questions about wildfire funding, firefighter retention, and investment in fuels treatments. Researchers say federal investments from the IRA and Infrastructure Law were insufficient, while a current continuing resolution holds agency budgets flat. The human cost is clear: Oregon's governor lowered flags after a firefighter died battling a Klamath County blaze.

With 45 large fires burning in the Northwest and conditions forecast to stay extreme through September, NW FireWatch provides a practical preparedness checklist covering evacuation zones, go-kits, defensible space, and how to stay informed.

Congress has approved $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression in FY2026, including a $2.85 billion reserve fund, while the administration advances plans to consolidate federal firefighting agencies into a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Idaho's Tartar Fire (158,027 acres) nears 89% containment near Weiser as crews shift focus to newer fires, including the Doublesprings (5% contained) and Moose Mountain (0% contained) incidents threatening remote areas of the state.

240 soldiers from JBLM's 7th Infantry Division are deployed to Washington's Modrite Fire, while 250 additional fire management specialists from Australia and New Zealand arrive this week to support the Pacific Northwest fire siege.

A rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Pacific Northwest as 40-50 mph gusts, record-low fuel moisture, and persistent drought drive extreme fire weather. Above-normal fire risk is forecast through September.

Oregon DEQ air quality advisories now cover nearly the entire state through Wednesday, August 12, with AQI exceeding 300 in parts of eastern Oregon and Washington. Residents urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity.

Washington state's 2026 wildfire season is its worst since 2021, with 650,000+ acres burned, the Little Giant Fire at 2% containment threatening Cascades communities, and the megafire Sinlahekin at 42% containment near Tonasket.

The Grasshopper Fire has burned over 34,000 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest, forcing Level 3 Go Now evacuations, closing Highway 35, and threatening Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort and Timberline Lodge.

The Pacific Northwest leads the nation with 45 uncontained large fires as of August 12, 2026, with Oregon (24), Washington (20), and Idaho (10) driving a historic fire season that has already surpassed 6.4 million acres nationally.

The destructive 2026 fire season is renewing pressure on wildfire policy, federal budgets, and long-term resilience investment, as the nation holds at Preparedness Level 5 and communities count the cost of record fire activity.

The U.S. is at National Preparedness Level 5 — its highest — with 30,419 personnel, 645 crews, and 226 helicopters fighting 94 large fires nationwide as the Pacific Northwest faces peak fire season pressure.

NIFC forecasts above-average wildfire risk for all of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through September 2026. Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect across southwestern Idaho as fuels reach critically dry levels.

The Castle Fire on the Umpqua National Forest has reached 2,995 acres with 48% containment, but hotter, drier conditions prompted expanded closures as mop-up crews work to secure the perimeter.

Red Flag Warnings covering central Washington and eastern Oregon have accompanied dangerous fire weather conditions through the second week of August — and forecasters say critical fire weather will persist through September.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place across Spokane County, Washington, while Level 2 warnings cover portions of Clackamas and Wasco counties in Oregon as fires continue to spread.