Cascades Evacuations and Western Fire Weather as National Preparedness Moderates

The National Preparedness Level stands at Level 2 as large wildfire activity and initial attack demand continue to moderate nationwide. While cumulative burned area and total fire counts for the year remain well above the ten-year average, national firefighting resource availability remains adequate. Regional fire activity is currently highest in Southern California and the Southern Area, alongside active incidents in the Pacific Northwest and Sierra Nevada.

Significant Fires

• Three Queens Fire (Washington) — Burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest east of Snoqualmie Pass, this fire continues to threaten residences and infrastructure, keeping Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation orders active around Kachess Lake and Baker Lane. Heavy precipitation and strong winds are cooling the area before drier, calmer weather returns over the weekend.
• Dome Fire (California) — Active fire behavior and spotting in dense timber north of Wawona in Yosemite National Park have kept Glacier Point Road closed and structure protection crews deployed in Wawona and Yosemite West. The forecast indicates cool, overcast conditions with moderate humidity and light winds over the coming days.
• Timber Fire (California) — Crews in Monterey County continue to secure containment lines across the Big Sur area, allowing emergency officials to downgrade several evacuation orders to warnings.
• Little Giant Fire (Washington) — Located northwest of Leavenworth, the fire has stabilized significantly as personnel focus on hazard tree removal, road grading, and suppression repair.
• Merit Creek Fire (Mississippi) — Burning in Greene County within the National Forests in Mississippi, this fire is contained after previously threatening nearby structures.
• Frijoles Fire (New Mexico) — Burning across Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties, this fire is contained as crews expedite drainage stabilization ahead of heavy monsoonal moisture.
• Hydra Fire (Texas) — Burning south of Meridian in Bosque County, this fire is contained with all mandatory evacuation orders lifted and zero structures lost.

Conditions and Outlook

A passing upper-level trough is generating gusty winds and low relative humidity, triggering Red Flag Warnings across northwestern Nevada and the Sierra Front through Friday evening. Heavy monsoonal rain across Arizona and New Mexico presents high risks of flash flooding and debris flows over active wildfire burn scars. Meanwhile, warm, dry conditions sustain heightened fire potential across the lower Mississippi Valley and southern Plains.

Burn Bans and Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management has rescinded its fire prevention order across the Burns District in southeastern Oregon due to improved fuel moisture, while emergency road, campground, and trail closures remain in effect around active incidents in Yosemite National Park, Los Padres National Forest, and the Cle Elum Ranger District.

What Residents Should Do

• Heed all Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation notices and trail closures near Kachess Lake and Snoqualmie Pass.
• Stay alert for flash flooding and debris flows if living near or traveling below recent wildfire burn scars in the Southwest.
• Check AirNow for real-time regional air quality reports and smoke advisories before outdoor activities.