PNW Focus

Washington has five large fires burning statewide, including the newly ignited B&O Fire near Okanogan with Level 3 evacuations and the near-contained Chelan Hills and Ryegrass Coulee fires. Red flag conditions persist across central and eastern Washington.

The Pacific Northwest's 2026 fire season reached a critical inflection point in early July, with major fires erupting on the Fourth of July in both Washington and Oregon, dry lightning sparking new ignitions daily, and fuels at critical dryness levels well ahead of schedule. Here is where things stand and what the rest of the season may hold.

With an active and destructive fire season already underway across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, emergency managers urge residents in fire-prone areas to complete their preparedness plans now — before a fire is at their doorstep.

The North Cayuse Fire burning 15 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon has reached approximately 2,300 acres with active fire behavior, prompting Level 3 Go Now evacuations near Mission and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

The North Cayuse Fire east of Pendleton has grown to 4,663 acres at 12% containment, with Level 1 evacuations east of the city and flight restrictions in place over McKay Reservoir.

The Claremont Fire ignited July 6 in the Boise Foothills and exploded to 4,420 acres by Tuesday evening with 0% containment, forcing evacuations in Boise County and closure of Ridge to Rivers trails.

The North Cayuse Fire has burned 4,000 acres east of Pendleton with extreme fire behavior. Level 3 evacuations from the July 4th weekend have been downgraded to Level 1, but residences remain threatened.

A fast-moving wildfire that ignited early on the Fourth of July in Washington's Douglas County has grown to an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 acres, destroying at least 100 structures and triggering widespread evacuations near Orondo, Chelan Falls, and the surrounding Chelan Hills area.

Fire crews across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho responded to numerous small blazes ignited by fireworks on July 4, 2026, as fire officials warned that critically dry vegetation and holiday celebrations are a dangerous combination.

Beyond the Chelan Hills Fire, multiple other wildfires are burning across Washington state this Fourth of July weekend, including the Hamilton Fire near Winthrop in Okanogan County, which forced the entire town to evacuate before crews made progress on containment.

A rapidly growing wildfire ignited in the early hours of July 4 in Douglas County, Washington, quickly consuming more than 10,000 acres of grass, brush, and ponderosa pine west of U.S. 97 near Orondo and Lake Chelan.

BLM has confirmed statewide fire restrictions remain in effect on all public lands in Oregon and Washington for the July 4th weekend, prohibiting campfires, fireworks, and open burning. Violations carry fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment.

The Lytle Fire has burned 6,500 acres in Malheur County, Oregon, with evacuations ordered and 20% containment reported. Investigators are looking at five recent fires in the area that appear human-caused.

The Lyle Hill Fire in Klickitat County's Columbia River Gorge has burned 233 acres and reached 60% containment, with most evacuation orders downgraded. Investigators are seeking public photos and video from the afternoon the fire started.

The lightning-caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire is burning at 86 acres in a remote area of Olympic National Park, approximately six miles from the Hoh Rain Forest. The blaze is 0% contained as of July 2, with crews using a monitoring approach in steep, roadless terrain while all visitor areas remain open.

The NIFC’s latest four-month outlook warns of above-normal fire potential spreading into the Pacific Northwest through the peak of summer, driven by early-season snowpack deficits, a persistent drying trend, and 2026 fire activity that is already far outpacing historical averages.

The Lambdin Fire near Wallula Junction in Walla Walla County has grown to nearly 13,000 acres and remains 25% contained. Washington State Fire Mobilization was activated June 29, deploying 20 engines to protect critical infrastructure including a gas pipeline and electric substation.

New fire starts have been reported on Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest and near Mitchell as Central Oregon’s 2026 fire season intensifies. Human-caused ignitions are dominant and July 4 fireworks pose elevated risk.

The Lyle Hill Fire burned 233 acres in the Columbia River Gorge near Lyle, Washington, prompting Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations before orders were downgraded Sunday evening. The cause remains under investigation.

With a brief weather window providing a lull in PNW fire activity, fire safety officials urge residents in fire-prone communities to complete defensible space work, update evacuation plans, and get registered for emergency alerts before peak season arrives.