The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County has exploded to more than 170,000 acres, making it the largest active wildfire in Washington State as of September 4, 2026. The fire is burning within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and remains at approximately 65% containment, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Fire Growth and Behavior
The Little Giant Fire ignited in mid-August and rapidly expanded through drought-stressed timber and brush in the rugged terrain of the North Cascades. Fire behavior has included active runs, torching, and wind-driven spread that challenged crews working in steep, remote terrain. Two Incident Management Teams have been assigned — California Team 5 and Northwest Team 12, which was mobilizing as of September 3.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) military personnel are deployed in support of wildland fire operations on the Little Giant Fire, with an Incident Management Organization (IMO) assigned to support the military contingent. The deployment reflects the severity of fire conditions and the strain on civilian firefighting resources across the Northwest.
Evacuation Levels Reduced
Despite the fire's size, Chelan County emergency officials have been able to reduce evacuation levels across the Entiat Valley and Chelan sectors as containment improves. Additional reductions were expected in the coming days as crews establish and hold containment lines along the fire's southern and eastern flanks. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to monitor the Chelan County Emergency Management website and ReadyChelan.org for the latest evacuation information.
Road and Trail Closures
Closures remain in effect on portions of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near the fire. Hikers and recreationists are advised to check with local ranger districts before venturing into the backcountry in Chelan County. The Pacific Crest Trail and several Forest Service roads remain closed in fire-affected areas.
Context: A Difficult Season for Washington
Washington State is currently managing 14 large fires — the most of any state in the nation. The 2026 fire season has been exceptionally active, driven by drought conditions that prompted Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a statewide state of emergency and issue a burn ban through the end of September. More than two-thirds of the West is experiencing drought conditions, and over half of Oregon and large portions of Washington are facing severe to extreme drought.
For the latest information on the Little Giant Fire, visit InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov or contact the Chelan-Entiat Ranger District.