Washington State is dealing with 14 large active wildfires as of September 4, 2026 — leading all states in active large-fire count — following a summer that has seen Governor Bob Ferguson declare a statewide wildfire emergency, issue a statewide burn ban, and request federal resources on a near-continuous basis since August 1.

Governor's Emergency Declaration and Burn Ban

On August 1, Governor Ferguson issued a statewide wildfire emergency declaration citing drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, and high winds driving a record-setting fire season. The accompanying statewide burn ban remains in effect across most of Washington as of this weekend. The declaration has allowed Washington to access additional state National Guard resources and expedite mutual aid requests to the federal government.

More than 600 structures have been damaged or destroyed across Washington this season, according to figures reported in early September, making 2026 among the most destructive wildfire seasons in the state's history.

Key Active Incidents

Among the most significant fires currently burning in Washington:

  • Little Giant Fire — Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this timber, closed-timber-litter, and brush fire is exhibiting moderate behavior with backing and flanking runs. The incident is managed by a California Incident Management Team (CA Team 5), with NW Team 12 mobilizing as a secondary team also managing the nearby Sisi incident. Numerous structures and critical infrastructure remain threatened, with evacuations, area closures, and road and trail closures in effect.
  • Sisi Fire — Burning northwest of Stehekin in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the Sisi Fire has seen moderated behavior following scattered precipitation over the past 48 hours. Crews are continuing perimeter control operations.
  • Sinlahekin Fire — As of September 3, this Okanogan County fire was 38% contained. The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area and adjacent ranch land have been impacted by this blaze, which has been one of the more persistent fires in north-central Washington this season.
  • Ptarmigan Fire — Burning in Okanogan County, the Ptarmigan Fire prompted evacuations in early September as it moved through dry timber and brush fuels.
  • Thunder Creek Fire — Located approximately 13 miles southeast of Newhalem in North Cascades National Park, this remote fire in steep terrain has been burning in NPS wilderness.
  • Kaiser Canyon Fire — On the Colville Agency, approximately one mile south of Nespelem, this BIA-managed incident is in timber and brush fuels with no new significant activity as of Thursday's report.

Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning

Earlier this season, the National Weather Service issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning across parts of eastern Washington and Oregon, including the Spokane and Pendleton areas. PDS Red Flag Warnings are reserved for fire weather situations with extreme potential, and forecasters noted that the combination of temperatures exceeding 100°F, single-digit relative humidity, and sustained winds created conditions ripe for rapid fire spread.

Resources and Response

Washington's fire response has drawn on personnel and equipment from across the nation, including Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams, multiple hotshot crews, airtankers, and single-engine air tankers (SEATs). Additional support has come from the National Guard under the state emergency declaration, with military airlift assets supporting retardant operations.

Residents in affected counties are urged to monitor local emergency alert systems, know their evacuation level (1-Be Ready, 2-Be Set, 3-Go), and maintain ready-to-go emergency kits. Current evacuation information is available through individual county sheriff's offices and the WA DNR wildfire portal at dnr.wa.gov.