Washington State is facing an intense early-season wildfire situation, with four large fires burning simultaneously across the eastern half of the state as of Sunday, June 28, 2026. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has confirmed that Washington is home to four of the seven "large" fires currently burning across the Pacific Northwest, a stark indicator of how aggressively the 2026 fire season has arrived.

Active Fire Incidents

4170 Tule Road Fire — Yakima County

The largest active fire in Washington State, the Tule Road Fire has burned 24,087 acres south of Toppenish in the lower Yakima Valley. As of Sunday evening, the fire is 95% contained, with crews focused on mop-up operations and patrolling remaining hotspots along the uncontained fireline. Driven initially by dry grass and brush in the Columbia Basin, the blaze saw rapid growth during last week's Red Flag conditions before crews were able to secure the bulk of the perimeter.

Kartar Fire — Okanogan County

Located southeast of Omak, the human-caused Kartar Fire has scorched 11,746 acres and sits at 40% containment. The fire continues to be fueled by dry vegetation and brush in the rugged terrain of Okanogan County, one of Washington's historically fire-prone landscapes. Smoke from this fire has been impacting localized air quality for nearby communities including Omak and Okanogan.

Garred Road Fire — Grant County

A fast-moving grass fire ignited Saturday, June 27, approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Coulee City in Grant County. The blaze quickly grew to 500 acres with 0% containment and prompted a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation order for the Sun Lakes camping area. Fueled by dry grass and brush, the fire is burning in typical Columbia Basin terrain where rapid spread is common under current weather conditions.

Lyle Hill Fire — Klickitat County

The newest and most urgent incident, the Lyle Hill Fire ignited Sunday afternoon, June 28, along the Columbia River corridor near Lyle in southwest Washington. The fire grew to approximately 1,500 acres within hours of ignition and triggered Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders for communities along the river.

Background: Early Season, Dangerous Conditions

Fire managers have repeatedly warned this spring that the 2026 fire season was on track to arrive early and be more severe than average. A combination of below-normal snowpack across the Cascades and Inland Northwest, a largely dry spring, and above-average temperatures has left grass and shrub fuels in exceptional condition for burning — unusually so for late June.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has instituted a statewide burn ban on all DNR-managed forest lands, prohibiting campfires, outdoor burning, charcoal use, and prescribed burns. Multiple counties including Pierce, Douglas, Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish have implemented Stage 1 burn bans, suspending residential open burning.

  • Total active large fires in WA: 4 (as of June 28)
  • Largest fire: Tule Road Fire — 24,087 acres (95% contained)
  • Most dangerous active: Lyle Hill Fire — 1,500 acres, 0% contained, evacuations in place
  • Burn ban status: All DNR-managed lands statewide

Residents across eastern Washington are urged to stay informed through local emergency management channels, monitor air quality conditions, and have evacuation plans ready as forecasters warn of continued elevated fire risk through the July 4th holiday weekend.