Washington's Largest Fires Near Full Containment as Recovery Begins

Washington state's two largest wildfires of the 2026 season are in their final stages of containment, but the work is far from over for the thousands of firefighters still on the ground across the Okanogan and Chelan county landscapes.

Little Giant Fire: Chelan County

The Little Giant Fire, burning approximately 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, has scorched 172,891 acres and is now 93% contained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). The fire, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, destroyed at least 40 structures at its peak and forced evacuations across portions of Chelan County during its most active phase in August.

Fire crews have shifted to mop-up operations, working to extinguish hot spots and ensure the fire line holds as weather patterns change heading into October. Incident commanders say the fire is now mostly smoldering, with active flame limited to isolated pockets within the perimeter.

Sinlahekin Fire: Okanogan County

Just to the north, the Sinlahekin Fire — managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources — has burned 166,007 acres and stands at 93% containment. Located 12 miles west of Tonasket, the fire had a complicated suppression history, including a setback in mid-August when a burning snag fell across a fire break, temporarily reducing containment from 60% to 37%.

Crews worked through September to regain and secure control lines. As of October 1, the fire is considered behaviorally inactive under the moderating fall weather.

Sisi Fire: Remote Terrain Near Stehekin

One fire continues to be a management challenge: the Sisi Fire, burning 10 miles northwest of Stehekin in steep, remote terrain within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. At 4,330 acres and only 29% contained, the fire has been difficult to access due to rugged topography. Recent reports note the fire is backing and flanking while damp weather moderates its spread.

Given the remote location and approaching fall moisture, incident managers are closely monitoring natural containment by terrain and weather while keeping aerial resources available for flare-ups.

Three Queens Fire: Snoqualmie Pass Area

The Three Queens Fire, burning 6 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, has consumed 9,575 acres and is 33% contained. The fire is in terrain that has complicated direct suppression, but cooler temperatures and increasing moisture have slowed fire activity significantly.

Oregon Fires Wrapping Up

Across the state line, Oregon's remaining large fires on federal land are all in late-stage mop-up. The Grasshopper Fire (93,972 acres, Mt. Hood National Forest) and Hagen Fire (61,380 acres, Umatilla National Forest) are both at or above 98% containment, with the Austin Fire (12,889 acres) also near full control. Fire activity across Oregon's landscape is described by monitoring sources as quiet, with major incidents having transitioned to suppression repair.