Pacific Northwest Fire Season Intensifies: Multiple Large Fires Active Across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho

The 2026 wildland fire season has arrived with extraordinary intensity across the Pacific Northwest, with multiple large fires burning simultaneously in Washington and Idaho as of June 25, and fire danger at extreme levels throughout Central and Eastern Oregon. A season that forecasters warned would be severe is delivering on that prediction — and the region is only entering the peak of summer.

Season Statistics Paint a Sobering Picture

Through June 24, 2026, more than 34,400 fires have burned nearly 2.8 million acres nationwide — a pace that significantly exceeds the 10-year average for both fires and acres burned at this point in the season. Comparatively, at the same date in 2025, just under 1.73 million acres had burned. The 2026 season is already tracking among the worst in recent memory.

In the Pacific Northwest, the conditions that forecasters flagged as far back as April are now in full effect: below-normal snowpack, an early melt, and persistent heat and drought east of the Cascades have primed fuels across the region for rapid fire growth.

Active Large Fires in the PNW

As of Wednesday, June 24, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports one large fire each in Oregon and Idaho, and three in Washington. The most significant active incidents include:

Kartar Fire (Washington): Burning in the Kartar Valley and near Omak Lake on the Colville Reservation in Okanogan County, this human-caused fire ignited June 16 and grew to 11,746 acres before reaching near-total containment. Command of the fire is transitioning to a Type 4 team as crews shift to patrol and mop-up operations.
Garred Road Fire (Washington): A newer and more active fire burning near Coulee City in Grant and Douglas counties, this 3,369-acre blaze is only 27% contained. It has forced evacuations around Sun Lakes State Park and remains a priority incident for Southeast Washington IMT3.
Shingle Creek Fire (Idaho): Burning approximately six miles southwest of Riggins in Idaho County, this 614-acre fire remains at 0% containment and is threatening structures near developed areas. Multiple aircraft and a hotshot crew are assigned.

Central Oregon at Extreme Danger

The Central Oregon Fire Information consortium raised the fire danger rating to EXTREME for all federal public lands in the Central Oregon region, and fire restrictions are in effect. The Oregon Department of Forestry has also warned that smoke from active fires may affect localized areas in Central and Eastern Oregon as conditions remain volatile.

What's Driving the Conditions

A combination of well-above-normal temperatures, critically low relative humidity, and erratic thunderstorm activity is creating a challenging environment for firefighters and land managers. East of the Cascades, daytime temperatures have routinely exceeded 95°F, drying already-stressed fuels to critical levels. Tall grass reaching 2.5 feet in some areas of Eastern Washington has become extremely receptive to ignition and rapid spread.

The National Weather Service has highlighted the ongoing threat of dry lightning — thunderstorms that deliver lightning strikes without significant moisture — as a primary ignition risk across the region through the coming week.

What Residents Should Do Now

Know your evacuation zone and have a go-bag ready with essential documents, medications, and supplies for at least 72 hours.
Sign up for your county's emergency alert system (Okanogan, Grant, Douglas, and Idaho counties all have active alert programs).
Observe all current fire restrictions on public lands — campfires, charcoal grills, and fireworks are prohibited on BLM and USFS lands across the region.
Monitor AirNow.gov for real-time air quality conditions, especially if you are in an area downwind of active fires.
Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911 or your local dispatch center.