PNW Focus
Pacific Northwest Remains Nation's Wildfire Hotspot With 34 Large Fires Burning
The Pacific Northwest holds the grim distinction of being the most active wildfire region in the U.S., with 34 uncontained large fires burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho as the 2026 season shatters decade-long records.
PNW Focus
Wildfire Preparedness Guide: How PNW Residents Can Get Ready Before a Fire Threatens
With evacuations underway across the Pacific Northwest, now is the time to build a go-bag, sign up for emergency alerts, and create defensible space around your home. A guide to evacuation zones, preparedness checklists, and key resources for Oregon, Washington, and Idaho residents.
PNW Focus
Three Queens Fire Forces Evacuations Around Kachess and Cle Elum Lakes in Kittitas County
The Three Queens Fire in Kittitas County has grown to over 3,500 acres near Kachess Lake with zero containment. All three levels of evacuation orders are in effect, and recreation areas around Lake Kachess and Lake Cle Elum remain closed.
PNW Focus
2026 Fire Season By the Numbers: Pacific Northwest on Pace for Most Destructive Year on Record
With 7.2 million acres burned nationally year-to-date and the Pacific Northwest accounting for the majority of large active fires, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in modern history — driven by record drought, early snowmelt, and extreme summer heat.
PNW Focus
Pacific Northwest Emerges as Nation's Wildfire Epicenter With 46 Large Fires Burning
Oregon leads the nation with 24 large fires, Washington follows with 16, and Idaho adds 6 more as the Pacific Northwest accounts for more than half of all large fires burning nationwide during one of the region's most destructive fire seasons on record.
PNW Focus
Idaho's Tartar Fire Nears Full Containment at 158,000 Acres; State Still Battling 6 Large Fires
Idaho's Tartar Fire near Weiser has reached 87-89% containment at 158,027 acres after a devastating run in late July that impacted structures on US-95 and triggered mass evacuations. Idaho still has six large fires burning statewide.
PNW Focus
Washington's 2026 Fire Season: Historic in Scale, Unprecedented in Destruction
Washington State is experiencing its most destructive wildfire season on record — 425,000 acres burned, 840+ structures destroyed near Spokane, 64,000 residents evacuated, and the first-ever PDS Red Flag Warning issued in state history.
PNW Focus
Oregon and Washington Wildfire Preparedness Guide: What Every Resident Needs to Know This Fire Season
With more than 44 large fires burning across Oregon and Washington, now is the time to review your evacuation plan, defensible space, and emergency kit. Here’s a practical guide to staying safe this fire season.
PNW Focus
Washington’s Little Giant and Sinlahekin Fires Drive Statewide Emergency Declaration
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide wildfire emergency as two of Washington’s largest fires continue to expand with minimal containment in Okanogan and Chelan counties.
PNW Focus
Northwest Leads Nation With 51 Uncontained Large Fires as 2026 Fire Season Turns Historic
The Pacific Northwest has become the undisputed epicenter of the nation's 2026 wildfire crisis, with Oregon, Washington, and Idaho collectively accounting for more than half of the 95 large uncontained fires burning across the United States.
PNW Focus
Washington Fires: Little Giant, Sinlahekin Drive State's Worst Fire Year Since 2021
Washington State has burned 650,000+ acres in 2026, its worst fire year since 2021. The Sinlahekin Fire (150,242 acres, 42% contained) and Little Giant Fire are among 20 large uncontained fires driving evacuations across eastern Washington. A fire weather watch was issued Thursday for the Olympic Mountains and North Cascades.
PNW Focus
Are You Ready? A Wildfire Preparedness Checklist for Pacific Northwest Residents
With 45 large fires burning in the Northwest and conditions forecast to stay extreme through September, NW FireWatch provides a practical preparedness checklist covering evacuation zones, go-kits, defensible space, and how to stay informed.
PNW Focus
Northwest Remains Nation's Wildfire Hotspot with 45 Large Fires Burning
The Pacific Northwest leads the nation with 45 uncontained large fires as of August 12, 2026, with Oregon (24), Washington (20), and Idaho (10) driving a historic fire season that has already surpassed 6.4 million acres nationally.
PNW Focus
Above-Average Fire Risk Forecast Through September for All of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho
NIFC forecasts above-average wildfire risk for all of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through September 2026. Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect across southwestern Idaho as fuels reach critically dry levels.
PNW Focus
2026 Fire Season Preparedness: What PNW Residents Need to Know Right Now
With all of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho at above-average fire risk through September and the nation at Preparedness Level 5, now is the time to build your go-bag, know your evacuation routes, create defensible space, and sign up for emergency alerts.
PNW Focus
Spokane Area Fires: 700+ Structures Destroyed, 60,000 Evacuated as Washington Declares Statewide Emergency
Multiple wildfires burning in and around Spokane have destroyed over 700 structures and forced 60,000 residents to evacuate. Washington Governor declared a statewide wildfire emergency as the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Kaiser Canyon fires continue to burn.
PNW Focus
Little Giant Fire Swells to 82,758 Acres Near Leavenworth with Near-Zero Containment
The fast-growing Little Giant Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has exploded to more than 82,000 acres with just 1% containment, threatening communities in Chelan County.
PNW Focus
Above-Average Fire Potential Forecast Through September: Is Your Household Prepared?
NIFC forecasts above-average wildfire potential for Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through September. With fire season far from over, here's what every Pacific Northwest household should know about preparedness.
PNW Focus
Grasshopper Fire Threatens Mount Hood Corridor, 39,000 Acres at 20% Containment
The Grasshopper Fire on the east side of Mount Hood has grown to 39,439 acres at 20% containment. Mt. Hood Meadows is under evacuation, and eastern Clackamas County has been placed on preparation orders.
PNW Focus
Rowe Creek Complex and Grasshopper Fire Drive Oregon's Record-Breaking 2026 Season
Oregon's Rowe Creek Complex and Grasshopper Fire are the headliners in a record-shattering season that has burned over 1.59 million acres — surpassing the state's previous all-time record. Dry thunderstorms this weekend may spark additional ignitions.