Wildfires Prompt Evacuations Across the West Under National Preparedness Level 5

The nation remains at National Preparedness Level 5, the highest alert status, with tens of thousands of personnel—supported by international crews and military air assets—battling dozens of uncontained blazes. Wildfire activity is tracking well above the ten-year average for both the number of starts and total area burned. Large fire activity remains heavily concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin.

Significant Fires

• Plaskett Fire (California) — Burning in the Los Padres National Forest and pushing east into Fort Hunter Liggett, the fire has prompted mandatory evacuation orders in Monterey County. Highway 1 is closed from Pacific Valley to the San Luis Obispo County line with emergency shelters open in Carmel and Cambria.
• Little Giant Fire (Washington) — Burning across Chelan and Okanogan counties as Washington's largest active wildfire, the blaze destroyed dozens of structures along the upper Entiat River corridor. Improved containment lines have allowed emergency officials to downgrade selected evacuation levels.
• McCully Fire (Oregon) — The lightning-sparked fire crossed into Grant County and the North Fork John Day Wilderness, triggering top-tier evacuation orders northwest of Baker City. The blaze spotted across the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway, prompting trail and scenic route closures across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
• Sinlahekin Fire (Washington) — West of Tonasket, the wildfire continues to burn across rugged terrain, though improved perimeter lines allowed officials to downgrade most advisory evacuation zones. Highest-level evacuation warnings remain in place west of the fire.
• Timber Fire (California) — Burning in Big Sur, the fire continues to threaten hundreds of structures along the coast. Caltrans maintains adjusted closures along Highway 1 near the Big Sur Post Office.
• Three Queens Fire (Washington) — Burning in Kittitas County alongside adjacent blazes, this wildfire has forced emergency closures of Lake Kachess and Lake Cle Elum. A significant stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass remains closed.
• McConnell Fire (Nevada) — Located northwest of Orovada in Humboldt County, the fire has seen easing evacuation warnings for Paradise Valley and surrounding communities. Closures remain in effect throughout the Santa Rosa Ranger District as crews secure the perimeter.
• Crooked Fire (Idaho) — Burning northeast of Idaho City in the Boise National Forest, the blaze has prompted closures for the Crooked River Trailhead and Black Rock Campground. Firefighters are actively building and reinforcing control lines to limit further spread.

Conditions and Outlook

Cooler temperatures and incoming rain across the Pacific Northwest are expected to increase relative humidity and aid containment efforts over the coming days. Along the Central California coast, mild conditions with persistent coastal fog and moderate afternoon winds will continue. Dry, warm conditions and localized breezes maintain elevated fire risks across the Great Basin, Southwest Idaho, and the Plains.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Fuels and fire behavior advisories are active for the Pacific Northwest, Southwest Idaho, and North Central Texas. Extensive public land closures are in effect, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington, wilderness trail networks in eastern Oregon, and recreation corridors in the Los Padres and Boise National Forests.

What Residents Should Do

• Obey all mandatory evacuation orders and road closures immediately.
• Check local air quality reports and limit outdoor physical activity when smoke is present.
• Maintain defensible space around structures and avoid outdoor activities that can spark new ignitions.

Resources

• National Interagency Fire Center
• InciWeb Incident Information System
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
• Ready.gov Wildfire Safety