Washington’s two largest active wildfires have both reached 81% containment — the highest containment levels either fire has achieved all season — as the state’s extraordinary 2026 wildfire season begins to show signs of winding down. The Washington Department of Natural Resources said this week that while the season is easing, the state is not yet out of danger.

Little Giant Fire — Chelan County

The Little Giant Fire, burning near Leavenworth in Chelan County along the Chiwawa River corridor, has grown to 172,695 acres over the course of the summer. The lightning-caused fire ignited in mid-July and proved difficult to contain in the steep, timbered terrain of the North Cascades. As of this week, it stands at 81% contained.

Heavy ridgetop rain softened operational access along the Chiwawa River corridor this week, prompting crews to shift focus to hazard tree removal and repair work along the Entiat River while waiting for drier conditions to resume direct suppression work. Incident managers are reinforcing containment lines around the Twin Lakes area ahead of a forecast warming trend later in the month.

Sinlahekin Fire — Okanogan County

The Sinlahekin Fire, burning in Okanogan County in north-central Washington, has burned 166,026 acres and also sits at 81% containment this week — the highest level since the fire began. Crews have made significant progress since the fire’s peak in August, when it drove evacuations and threatened rural communities in the Similkameen Valley area.

Other Notable Washington Fires

Additional active incidents across the state include:

  • Ptarmigan Fire (Okanogan County): 25,166 acres, 73% contained
  • Sisi Fire (near Stehekin): 3,193 acres, 11% contained — the least-contained fire in the state, burning in rugged, hard-to-reach terrain northwest of Stehekin
  • Three Queens Fire (Kittitas County): Forest closures remain active across the Cle Elum Ranger District, including a Pacific Crest Trail closure between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass

Season Overview

Washington’s 2026 wildfire season has been among the most expensive and destructive in state history. Among the most notable incidents that stood out earlier in the season were Spokane-area fires that caused widespread structural destruction, the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County, the Three Queens Fire in Kittitas County, and the Chelan Hills Fire near Orondo, which destroyed at least 100 structures. Washington reportedly spent more than $200 million fighting wildfires in a single month at the season’s peak.

With no Red Flag Warnings currently in effect statewide and temperatures trending warmer over the coming days, DNR officials say the season is easing but fire weather conditions could still produce new starts. Residents are encouraged to check for updates on any local fire restrictions before recreating on public lands.