Multiple large wildfires are forcing evacuations across central and eastern Washington this week, straining local emergency management systems and displacing hundreds of residents. Three fires — the Kaiser Canyon Fire, the B&O Fire, and the Chelan Hills Fire — are the primary drivers of evacuation activity in the state as of July 17, 2026.

Kaiser Canyon Fire — Okanogan County

The Kaiser Canyon Fire has grown to 2,170 acres south of Kaiser Canyon Road in Okanogan County. The fire prompted Level 3 GO NOW evacuation orders for roads near Nespelem, with State Route 155 closures also affecting travel in the area. Firefighting resources have been committed to structure protection in the rural communities within the fire perimeter. The fire was updated as recently as July 16, 2026, and is burning in terrain that historically challenges aerial operations.

B&O Fire — Northeast Washington

The B&O Fire, tracked by the Northwest Coordination Center, has burned 2,762 acres in northeastern Washington. The fire has been active for several days and continues to be monitored by incident managers. As of the latest InciWeb update, containment information is pending, and evacuation orders in surrounding zones remain subject to change. Residents in affected communities should maintain situational awareness and be ready to move at a moments notice.

Chelan Hills Fire — Chelan and Douglas Counties

The Chelan Hills Fire — which ignited during the July 4th holiday weekend and rapidly expanded — is now tracked at approximately 9,861 acres across Chelan and Douglas County terrain. At its peak, the fire prompted Level 3 GO NOW evacuations and triggered closures of U.S. Highway 97 between mile marker 232 and McNeil Canyon Road. The fire reached 20% containment in the days following ignition, with crews working to hold established lines as the 2026 Washington fire season continues to accelerate.

Washingtons 2026 fire season has already seen more than 129 fires burn over 121,000 acres — a dramatic and record-breaking increase compared to the same period in prior years.

What Residents Should Do

  • Sign up for local emergency alerts through your countys notification system
  • Know your evacuation zone and route before you need them
  • Keep go-bags ready with medications, documents, and essentials
  • Follow Level 3 orders immediately — do not wait for law enforcement to come to your door
  • Do not return to evacuated areas until officials give the all-clear

For the latest evacuation zone maps and road closures, residents should check the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and their respective county emergency management websites.