PNW Focus

An Oregon wildfire near Vale was quickly downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2 evacuations following rapid firefighting progress. State officials are urging all Oregonians to register for emergency alert systems ahead of peak fire season, with above-normal fire risk forecast statewide.

Washington is battling four large wildfires simultaneously in an early and dangerous 2026 fire season. The Tule Road Fire (24,087 acres), Kartar Fire (11,746 acres), Garred Road Fire (500 acres), and Lyle Hill Fire (1,500 acres) are all burning across the eastern half of the state.

BLM statewide fire restrictions are in effect across all public lands in Oregon and Washington, with additional restrictions from the Washington DNR, North Cascades NPS, and multiple counties — all timed ahead of the high-risk July Fourth holiday weekend.

Eastern Washington is experiencing an elevated fire season with several large fires burning across the region, including the 24,180-acre Tule Road Fire south of Yakima and the now-contained Garred Road Fire near Coulee City.

Central Oregon fire agencies are responding to early-season ignitions with fire restrictions already in place across public lands. Hot, dry, and drought-stressed conditions are raising the stakes for any new spark.

The Kartar, Garred Road, and Upriver fires have collectively burned more than 15,000 acres across Eastern Washington this week, destroying 14 homes and prompting widespread evacuations.

With National Preparedness Level 3 already in effect and the PNW heading into peak fire season, this practical checklist covers evacuation planning, go-bag essentials, home hardening, and staying informed with real-time resources.

Central Oregon is at Extreme fire danger with Stage 2 restrictions on all federal lands. Two new fires — Incident #0341 near Madras and the Sourdough Fire — ignited this week as conditions remain critical.

The Juniper Dunes Fire (13,003 acres) and Twin Sisters/Wallula Gap Fire (8,200+ acres) are now fully contained in southeastern Washington, though the Benton City Fire destroyed five homes before crews gained control.

Multiple large fires are burning simultaneously in Washington and Idaho as the 2026 Pacific Northwest fire season intensifies. With 2.8 million acres burned nationwide and extreme fire danger declared across Central Oregon, crews are stretched thin heading into peak fire weather.

BLM has fire restrictions in effect on all Oregon and Washington public lands as fire danger reaches EXTREME levels in Central Oregon and critical levels across Eastern Washington. Campfires, fire pits, and agricultural burning are prohibited, with violations carrying fines up to $5,000.

Burn bans and fire restrictions are in effect across multiple Oregon and Washington counties and fire districts as the 2026 fire season arrives early. Central Oregon federal lands are at EXTREME danger. Here's what residents need to know and do now.

Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 26-10 on June 15, activating state emergency powers as the Oregon Department of Forestry formally opened fire season ahead of a potentially severe summer.

With fire season in full swing and multiple blazes already burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, now is the time to review your family evacuation plan and emergency kit.

The Tule Road Fire near Toppenish has grown to more than 24,000 acres with 75 percent containment, while several other fires continue burning across eastern and central Washington.

With critical fire weather persisting across the Pacific Northwest, fire officials urge homeowners to create defensible space, build go-bags, and sign up for emergency alerts before the next fire ignites nearby.

The Gold Run Fire near Kellogg, Idaho grew from 50 acres to 300 acres before reaching 75% containment by June 21. Evacuations have been downgraded as crews make steady progress in the Silver Valley.

Washington State is experiencing its most active early-season wildfire outbreak in years, with five fires burning simultaneously across Eastern Washington. A comprehensive rundown of the Kartar, Roza, Tucannon, Upriver, and Juniper Dunes fires.

The Pacific Northwest entered fire season weeks ahead of schedule in 2026, driven by record-low snowpack, widespread drought, and early fuel curing. With multiple large fires already burning and NIFC at Preparedness Level 3, fire experts warn this season could be one of the most challenging on record.

With fire season just getting started, the United States has already burned 2.6 million acres in 2026 — nearly double the 10-year average. Drought, early fuel curing, and above-normal temperatures are setting the stage for a severe fire summer in the Pacific Northwest.