Five significant wildfires continue to burn along Washington's Cascade Range, keeping crews busy and some communities under evacuation notices even as cooler, wetter weather has moderated the state's overall fire danger. Washington led all states with nine large active fires as of September 18, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Key Active Incidents

Three Queens Fire — Kittitas County

The Three Queens Fire, burning approximately six miles east of Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County, has grown to 9,527 acres with only 20% containment as of mid-week. The fire continues to drive evacuation orders across multiple levels in the Cle Elum River drainage. Level 3 "Go Now" orders remain in effect near Kachess Campground, with Level 2 and Level 1 notices covering additional areas along Baker Lane and north of Kachess Lake Road. Crews are reinforcing containment lines while forest closures remain active across the Cle Elum Ranger District, including a closure of the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass.

Little Giant Fire — Chelan County

The Little Giant Fire, 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth, has burned 172,695 acres and reached 81% containment as of September 15. A newly transitioned incident management team is overseeing suppression repair and hazard tree removal along river corridors as the fire moves toward full containment. The Little Giant was among the season's most resource-intensive incidents in Washington.

Luna Fire — North Cascades National Park

The Luna Fire, located 10 miles north of Newhalem in North Cascades National Park, has burned 7,879 acres with 34% containment. The fire continues to exhibit moderate backing and flanking behavior, threatening park structures and nearby energy infrastructure. Crews are maintaining perimeter integrity while the fire burns through rugged wilderness terrain largely inaccessible to ground resources.

Sisi Fire — Lake Chelan/Stehekin Area

The Sisi Fire, burning 10 miles northwest of Stehekin, has consumed 3,193 acres and remains only 5% contained — one of the least-contained active fires in the state. Creeping and smoldering behavior generates persistent smoke across surrounding valleys, particularly around Stehekin and the upper Lake Chelan corridor. Recreational closures remain active around the upper Stehekin drainage and the Pacific Crest Trail near Agnes Gorge.

Wonderland Complex — Mount Rainier National Park

Burning in northern Mount Rainier National Park, the Wonderland Complex has consumed 392 acres with 10% containment. The incident forced closures of portions of the iconic Wonderland Trail and Sunrise Road. Park officials recently reopened White River Road and adjacent hiking trails as crews continue suppression operations.

Statewide Conditions

Recent precipitation events have significantly reduced fire danger across most of Washington. The Washington Department of Natural Resources lowered its preparedness level to 2 on a 5-point scale, reflecting improved conditions. However, DNR officials caution that the season is not over — a "season-ending precipitation event" sufficient to saturate fuels statewide has not yet occurred.

"We've got the end in sight, but there are still burn bans in place," said DNR Public Information Officer Ryan Rodruck. "There still will be periods of hot, dry and potentially unstable weather as we move closer into fall." A statewide mandatory burn ban issued under Governor Bob Ferguson's executive emergency proclamation remains in effect through September 30.