Washington state is battling multiple wildfires simultaneously, with the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County emerging as the state's most destructive blaze of 2026. As of July 22, the fire has burned nearly 80,000 acres — a 20,000-acre jump in just 48 hours — and is only 1 percent contained. At least 13 structures have been destroyed. More than 100,000 total acres are burning across the state.

Kaiser Canyon Fire — Okanogan County

The Kaiser Canyon Fire is burning near the town of Nespelem on the Colville Indian Reservation in Okanogan County. Hundreds of firefighters, along with engines, bulldozers, and aircraft, are working to stop the fire's forward progression. Despite the massive response, extremely dry fuels and challenging terrain have confounded containment efforts.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders have been issued for Kartar Road, Coyote Creek Road, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 54. Level 2 "Get Ready" evacuation notices are in effect for Highway 155 from the town of Nespelem to Columbia River Road. The Colville Tribes Emergency Management is posting updates to their Facebook page, and the latest evacuation map is available at perimetermap.com/okanogan-cct-wa.

Red Cross shelters are open for evacuees at:

  • Coulee Dam High School Gym (503 Crest Drive)
  • Lake Roosevelt Gym (500 Civic Way)
  • Omak Community Center (601 Centon Street)
  • Omak Long House (25 Mission Road)

Modrite Fire — Ferry County

The Modrite Fire is burning near Lake Roosevelt in Ferry County, east of the Kaiser Canyon Fire. Sparked by a lightning strike on July 17, the fire has reached approximately 8,882 acres and remains 0 percent contained. At least five structures have been damaged or destroyed. Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are in effect for Wilmont Creek Road from Silver Creek to Rodgers Bar. Silver Creek Road is closed between Four Corners and Kewa Road. An emergency shelter is available at Kettle Falls Middle School (101 W. 11th Avenue).

Ptarmigan Fire — Okanogan County

The Ptarmigan Fire is burning approximately four miles south of the Canadian border in the Pasayten Wilderness of Okanogan County. As of July 22, it is estimated at 1,190 acres and remains 0 percent contained. The Pacific Northwest Trail, Buckskin Ridge Loop Trail, and a portion of the Robinson Creek/Middle Fork Pasayten Trail are all closed in the Pasayten Wilderness due to the fire.

Little Giant Fire — Chelan County

Located about 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth, the Little Giant Fire was ignited by a lightning strike on July 15 and has grown to 777 acres. It remains 0 percent contained. A Level 1 evacuation notice has been issued for the Trinity area. Photographs taken from Nineteen Mile Campground on July 21 show the fire actively burning in steep terrain. Fire managers are closely monitoring the blaze as weather conditions in the Cascades remain volatile.

Additional Fire Weather Threat

A Red Flag Warning was issued for Southwest Washington and the Central South Cascades — covering dry air, gusty winds, and the potential for lightning from overnight thunderstorms. Any new lightning strikes in areas with critically dry fuels could result in additional rapid fire growth. Residents throughout eastern and central Washington are urged to stay informed through local emergency alert systems and to report any new smoke sightings to 911 immediately.