Washington State entered October 2026 with five large fires still actively burning across its eastern slopes and Cascade Range — a stark reminder that the Pacific Northwest fire season, while winding down, is not yet finished. As of October 2, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported Washington leading the nation in active large fires, with incident management teams transitioning from aggressive suppression to mop-up operations on several fronts.

A Season Above the Average

Washington's 2026 fire season has been defined by heat, low humidity, and an extended dry pattern through summer into early fall. Statewide, the fires collectively reflect a broader national trend: year-to-date, 62,738 wildfires have burned more than 9 million acres across the United States — 135% of the 10-year average number of fires, and 147% of average acres burned for this point in the year.

The five large fires currently active in Washington span a range of ecosystems — from dense Cascade timber near Snoqualmie Pass to the shrub-steppe terrain of Okanogan County. All are now exhibiting reduced fire behavior as overnight recovery improves with shorter days and cooler temperatures.

Key Active Fires in Washington

  • Three Queens Fire — 9,575 acres, 33% contained. Located near Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County, this fire continues to burn in steep, remote terrain north of Lake Kachess. Forest Service closures remain in effect for Cooper Lake and Owhi Campground areas.
  • King Fire — 3,335 acres. Also in Kittitas County, burning alongside the Three Queens. Crews have been working both incidents simultaneously from the same sector.
  • Ptarmigan Fire — 25,166 acres, 75% contained. Burning in Okanogan County, this fire has been progressively contained through late September and early October suppression efforts.
  • Little Giant Fire — 173,000-plus acres, 93% contained. The largest fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest this season, originating from a lightning strike on July 15 approximately 22 miles northwest of Leavenworth. Now well into mop-up, crews are focused on burn scar stabilization and hazard mitigation.
  • Sisi Fire — Active in Chelan County, located 10 miles northwest of Stehekin. Fire behavior is minimal, with backing and creeping in timber litter. The Northwest Incident Command Team 12 is jointly managing the Sisi and Little Giant incidents.

Fall Transition Underway

The arrival of cooler overnight temperatures and increasing moisture across Washington has significantly reduced fire spread rates. Incident commanders report that while ignitions remain possible during afternoon warming cycles, extended runs and spotting are becoming increasingly rare. Emergency closures at several recreation areas remain in place as crews work to mop up and make areas safe for re-entry.

The Washington Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Forest Service urge the public to continue checking fire closure maps before venturing into affected areas of the Okanogan-Wenatchee and adjacent national forests. For up-to-date closure information, residents and visitors should consult InciWeb and the DNR's online fire map.