Washington's Little Giant and Sinlahekin Fires Enter Final Containment Phase

Two of the largest wildfires in Washington state history are in their final containment phases this week as fire managers shift from active suppression to mop-up and repair operations across Chelan and Okanogan counties.

Little Giant Fire — Chelan County

The Little Giant Fire, burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Chelan County, has grown to 172,891 acres, making it the largest active wildfire currently burning in Washington state. The fire ignited earlier this season and exploded in size during an August Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning event that brought 40 to 50 mph wind gusts to the Cascades and eastern Washington.

As of this morning, the fire has achieved 81 percent containment, with crews focusing on securing remaining hot spots along the northern and eastern perimeter. Infrared flights continue to guide ground crews to residual heat sources within the interior. Resources are being systematically released as containment holds.

Sinlahekin Fire — Okanogan County

The Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County stands at 166,026 acres and is tracking closely behind the Little Giant in size. The fire eclipsed 100,000 acres in early August and was just 5 percent contained at its peak — one of the most challenging periods of the 2026 fire season in Washington.

Recovery has been steady since mid-August, and all evacuation orders and advisories for the Sinlahekin Fire were lifted by Okanogan County officials on September 12. The fire now poses no immediate threat to nearby communities, though fire managers caution that interior stump holes and fire-weakened trees remain significant hazards for anyone entering the burn area.

Other Active Washington Fires

Several smaller fires remain active across the state as of the September 29 InciWeb update:

Three Queens Fire — 9,575 acres, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Border 2 Fire — 9,108 acres, North Cascades NP area
Luna Fire — 8,553 acres, North Cascades NP area
King Fire — 3,427 acres, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF
Sisi Fire — 4,330 acres
Goat Fire — 815 acres

Collectively, active wildfires across Washington have burned nearly 350,000 acres this season, according to InciWeb data.

Washington Burn Ban Expiring

Governor Bob Ferguson's statewide emergency burn ban, issued due to severe drought conditions, high temperatures, and high winds, remains in effect through September 30, 2026. Washington state residents should verify local fire restrictions before conducting any burning activities beginning October 1.

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