As Washington State manages 14 large active fires, several significant incidents in central and north-central Washington continue to require public attention and resource commitments. The Ptarmigan Fire, fires near Stehekin and Cle Elum, and other incidents across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest round out a complex and challenging situation for fire managers heading into September 2026.

Ptarmigan Fire

The Ptarmigan Fire in Okanogan County has reached approximately 55% containment as of September 1, 2026, according to IQAir wildfire tracking. Harts Pass Road and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) near the Pasayten Wilderness remain partially closed due to fire activity and safety concerns for the public and firefighting crews.

Hikers and backpackers planning trips in the Pasayten Wilderness area should check current closure orders before heading out. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website and InciWeb provide up-to-date closure information. The PCT Association's website also publishes trail closure alerts relevant to the Washington Cascades section.

Stehekin and Cle Elum Areas

Multiple large wildfires remain active in central and north-central Washington, with fire activity prompting structure protection measures and recreation closures in areas near Stehekin and Cle Elum, according to wildfire tracking data from September 1. The remote community of Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan — accessible only by boat, floatplane, or foot — faces unique evacuation and resource challenges given its isolation.

Chelan County emergency officials have been progressively lowering evacuation levels across the Entiat Valley and Chelan sectors as fire crews improve containment on the Little Giant Fire. Additional reductions were expected in the coming days.

Modrite Fire — 98% Contained

One piece of encouraging news: the Modrite Fire has reached 98% containment as of September 1, representing near-complete suppression of that incident. This allows resources previously committed to the Modrite to be redirected to higher-priority active fires still burning across the state.

Autumn Lane Fire — 100% Contained

The Autumn Lane Fire, which was part of the destructive Spokane Complex, has reached 100% containment. While the broader Spokane Complex recovery continues, the achievement of full containment on the Autumn Lane allows crews to focus on mop-up and structure assessment in affected areas.

What Visitors and Residents Should Know

With Labor Day weekend bringing an influx of outdoor recreationists to Washington's backcountry and recreation areas, fire officials are urging the public to take several precautions:

  • Check current closure orders before any trip into national forests or wilderness areas
  • Do not attempt to access fire areas, even if roads appear open
  • Report new smoke or fire to 911 immediately
  • Respect burn bans — Governor Ferguson's statewide burn ban is in effect through September 30
  • Have an evacuation plan and know where the nearest shelter and evacuation routes are

The Washington DNR fire information page (dnr.wa.gov/wildfires) and InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov) are the best sources for real-time fire and closure information across the state.