The Pacific Northwest remains the most active wildfire region in the United States for the second consecutive week, with 29 large fires currently burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Seven of those fires have surpassed 100,000 acres in size — a sobering milestone that underscores the severity of the 2026 fire season.

As of August 22, 2026, NIFC reports 78 large fires burning nationwide, with 22,751 personnel assigned to incidents across the country. The Northwest accounts for a disproportionate share of that national burden, with Oregon alone hosting 15 large fires and Washington reporting 13. Idaho rounds out the regional toll with 10 large fires.

A Season Already in the Record Books

Nationally, the 2026 fire season has already reached alarming levels. Firefighters have responded to 50,239 wildfires that have burned more than 7.6 million acres — representing 129% of the 10-year average for fire starts and a staggering 170% of the average for acres burned. The year-over-year comparison is equally stark: in the same period in 2025, fires burned approximately 4 million acres.

Major Active Fires in the Region

Several enormous incidents are driving the regional statistics:

  • Big Grass Fire (Oregon/Idaho border): 578,635 acres, 89% contained — one of the largest fires in Oregon history.
  • Sinlahekin Fire (Washington): Approximately 154,000 acres, 47% contained, burning west of Tonasket.
  • Little Giant Fire (Washington): Approximately 139,000 acres, just 12% contained, near Lake Chelan.
  • Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon): 373,784 acres, 89% contained, south of Fossil.
  • Grasshopper Fire (Oregon): 90,130+ acres, 61% contained, in the Mt. Hood National Forest.
  • Hagen Fire (Oregon): 56,419 acres, 14% contained, east of Pendleton.

Resources Stretched Across the Region

NIFC noted that prepositioning firefighters and resources strategically for initial attack is a critical consideration during the peak of fire season. Balancing initial attack capacity against the demand of fighting dozens of active large fires has stretched agency logistics significantly. As of Saturday, 113 new fires were reported nationwide in a single 24-hour period, including 11 new large fires.

Evacuations, road closures, and area closures remain in effect on multiple incidents across all three states. Residents across eastern Oregon, central Washington, and northern Idaho are urged to monitor local sheriff's office communications and sign up for emergency alerts in their counties.

What to Expect This Weekend

Critical fire weather conditions are forecast for much of the region through Saturday, August 23, with a Red Flag Warning in effect across most of Oregon east of the Cascades. An upper-level trough moving through the region is bringing scattered dry thunderstorms, gusty winds, and critically low humidity — conditions that could push active fires beyond containment lines or ignite new starts. Conditions are expected to ease somewhat by Sunday.

Residents and recreationists throughout the Pacific Northwest are urged to exercise extreme caution with any ignition sources, adhere to campfire and burn bans, and have an emergency evacuation plan ready.