As of September 17, 2026, Washington State remains one of the most fire-impacted states in the nation, with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) tracking 10 large active fires within its borders. While recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have brought some relief, several fires remain dangerously low in containment, and road and forest closures are expected to remain in place for weeks.

The Biggest Fires in Washington

The Little Giant Fire, burning approximately 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth in Chelan County, is the largest active incident in the state at 172,695 acres and has reached 81 percent containment. At one point, fire managers feared a massive uncontrolled run that would have pushed acreage far higher, but cooler weather and aggressive fireline construction prevented the worst. Crews are now focused on mop-up operations.

The Sinlahekin Fire, located 12 miles west of Tonasket in Okanogan County, has grown to 166,000 acres and sits at 77 percent containment. It remains one of the season's most significant fires in the Okanogan Highlands. Nearby, the Ptarmigan Fire — 20 miles northwest of Mazama — has burned 25,166 acres and is 73 percent contained.

Fires Near the Cascades

Two fires burning near Snoqualmie Pass are drawing attention from residents in the Seattle metro area. The King Fire, seven miles northeast of Snoqualmie Pass, has grown to 3,278 acres with zero containment, while the Three Queens Fire, six miles east of the pass, has burned 9,527 acres and is only 20 percent contained. Both fires are burning in steep, rugged terrain that limits direct firefighting access.

The Wonderland Complex, burning nine miles southeast of Buckley near the Mount Rainier foothills, stands at 392 acres and just 10 percent containment. The fire's proximity to the Mount Rainier National Park area has prompted heightened monitoring.

North Cascades Activity

Several fires continue to burn in the North Cascades:

  • Luna Fire — 10 miles north of Newhalem, 7,879 acres, 34% contained
  • Border 2 Fire — 20 miles northeast of Marblemount, 8,171 acres, 73% contained
  • Sisi Fire — 10 miles northwest of Stehekin, 3,193 acres, 5% contained
  • Electric Fire — 7 miles north of Marblemount, 495 acres, 71% contained
  • High Lava Fire — 11 miles northwest of Stabler, 2,899 acres, 63% contained
  • Goat Fire — 15 miles north of Ronald, 816 acres, 22% contained

What to Expect

The NIFC's September through December outlook calls for above-normal fire potential across most of the Pacific Northwest. Drought-stressed fuels, particularly in eastern Washington's Okanogan County and the Cascades, remain receptive to fire spread should another period of hot, dry, and windy weather develop. Residents in affected areas should stay current with their county's emergency alert systems and be prepared to evacuate quickly if conditions change.

For the latest information on Washington's active fires, visit InciWeb.nwcg.gov or your county emergency management office.