Two fires deep in Washington's Cascade Range continued to challenge firefighting crews heading into the second week of September, though recent precipitation has moderated conditions and allowed some progress on containment lines.

Sisi Fire: Remote Terrain in Chelan County

The Sisi Fire, burning northwest of Stehekin in Chelan County, had grown to approximately 1,504 acres as of early September with zero percent containment reported. The fire has been burning for over two weeks in rugged, roadless terrain — the same backcountry that makes Stehekin one of the most remote communities in the Lower 48.

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC), fire behavior moderated following scattered precipitation over the area. Crews are working on perimeter control, but the remote terrain and limited access continue to constrain direct suppression options. Forest closures remain in effect for the area surrounding the fire, and residents and visitors are urged to check current closure orders before entering the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.

Three Queens Fire: Kittitas County

The Three Queens Fire in Kittitas County, burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, had grown to approximately 9,364 acres as of recent reporting, with just 8 percent containment. Incident commanders from the Critical Incident Management Team (NW Team 2) have been mobilizing to take over management of the incident, reflecting the fire's complexity and expected duration.

The Three Queens Fire has contributed significantly to smoke impacts across Central Washington. The Washington Smoke Blog noted that heavy smoke from both the Three Queens and Sisi fires — combined with smoke from the Hagen and Paradise fires drifting in from northeast Oregon — has resulted in degraded air quality across much of Central Washington. West winds expected Tuesday afternoon may help flush smoke from the area and improve conditions temporarily.

Earlier Season Fires Near Spokane Winding Down

Meanwhile, three fires that sparked near Spokane around September 1 are now approaching full containment:

  • Autumn Lane Fire: 5,764 acres, 97% contained
  • Old Trails Fire: 3,176 acres, 97% contained
  • Fairview Fire: 992 acres, 97% contained

Together, these fires were part of the catastrophic late-August Red Flag event that destroyed more than 840 structures in the Spokane area and forced the evacuation of approximately 64,000 residents. While crews continue mop-up operations, the immediate threat to life and property in the Spokane area has largely passed.

Washington's Season in Context

Washington is managing 13 large fires as of September 7 — the most of any state in the nation. The combination of extreme summer heat, record drought, and seasonal east wind events made 2026 one of the most challenging years ever recorded for the state's fire managers. The Washington Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and federal interagency crews have all been stretched to capacity for much of the past two months.

Residents in fire-affected areas of Kittitas and Chelan counties are encouraged to stay informed through official local emergency management channels, the Washington State Department of Ecology's smoke blog, and InciWeb for the most current information on both the Three Queens and Sisi incidents.