The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County, Washington has grown to approximately 170,784 acres and remains one of the most complex and threatening wildfire incidents in the nation. As of September 1, 2026, the fire is 49% contained, but active fire behavior along several perimeter sections continues to challenge crews working in rugged, remote terrain.

The fire ignited on July 15 via a lightning strike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, roughly 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth, and has been burning for more than six weeks. According to officials, more than 6,000 structures — including homes, outbuildings, and seasonal cabins — have been at risk at the fire's peak.

Evacuation Levels in Effect

Chelan County officials have issued a tiered set of evacuation notices affecting communities along Lake Chelan and the surrounding valleys:

  • Level 3 (Go Now): Portions of the Lake Chelan south shore and the Manson side of the lake
  • Level 2 (Be Ready to Leave): Expanded areas around the lake and foothills
  • Level 1 (Be Aware): Broader surrounding communities

Residents under Level 3 orders are urged not to return until official clearance is given. Those under Level 2 should have bags packed and be ready to leave on short notice.

National Priority Fire

The Little Giant Fire has been designated the second-highest firefighting priority in the United States, according to the Spokesman-Review. That status has drawn significant national resources to the incident, including multiple Incident Management Teams, hotshot crews from across the West, and aerial resources.

Fire crews are actively working to reinforce containment lines near Trinity and along the northern perimeter, while mop-up operations continue near Lake Chelan where conditions allow. Moderate fire activity was reported within established containment lines on the southeast corner as winds picked up over recent days.

Terrain and Weather Challenges

The fire's location — spanning remote terrain around the Entiat River, Chiwawa River, Glacier Peak Wilderness, and Lake Chelan — has made direct ground attack extremely difficult. Steep, roadless drainages have forced crews to rely heavily on aerial operations and indirect suppression tactics.

Weather forecasters warn that low relative humidity and locally breezy conditions will persist into the coming days, maintaining elevated fire behavior potential on uncontrolled portions of the perimeter.

What Residents Should Do

Chelan County Emergency Management asks all residents and visitors to:

  • Sign up for emergency alerts at the county website
  • Know your evacuation zone and plan your route in advance
  • Avoid the fire area and do not interfere with firefighting operations
  • Check InciWeb for the latest official updates on the Little Giant Fire

Smoke from the fire has been impacting air quality in the Wenatchee Valley, Lake Chelan, and communities to the east. Sensitive individuals are advised to limit outdoor activity on high smoke days.