LITTLE GIANT

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Little Giant Fire was ignited by a lightning strike on July 16, 2026, in the Chiwawa River valley within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth in Chelan County, Washington.
Size and Containment: As of August 23, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 144,832 acres and is currently 15% contained. It is now the largest wildfire to burn entirely within Chelan County borders.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Burning through steep, rugged terrain heavily loaded with dead trees and dry brush, the fire has seen explosive growth over the past month, including jumping nearly a mile across Lake Chelan in early August. Over the last 72 hours, fire activity increased significantly due to thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 40 mph, which caused the fire to spot ahead of the main lines.
Containment Efforts: The California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (CIIMT5) has recently assumed command of the incident. Over 1,000 personnel have been actively fighting the fire, supported by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington National Guard. Over the weekend, helicopters successfully slowed the fire's spread toward the Twin Lakes area, Stormy Creek, and Maverick Peak. In the Entiat drainage, crews have held the fire at Tyee Ridge Road and are currently conducting mop-up operations around structures up to the Cottonwood Guard Station.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect for areas near the main fire footprint on the south side of Lake Chelan and upslope of the blaze where it crossed the lake.
Evacuation Warnings: Level 1 and 2 evacuation warnings are active in surrounding zones. Residents should consult the Chelan County Emergency Management map for their specific zone status.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Chelan County Emergency Management is coordinating with displaced residents. A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24, at 6:30 PM to provide the public with the latest updates.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Extensive road, trail, and area closures are in effect throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Chelan County.
• The upper Entiat Valley is strictly closed to the public to allow firefighters and Chelan County Assessor's Office personnel to safely conduct damage assessments and clear hazards.
• Transit services in nearby Leavenworth have faced intermittent suspensions due to hazardous air quality and safety regulations.

For more information, visit:

• Chelan County Emergency Management
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR)
• InciWeb - Official Incident Information System

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are currently no reported fatalities or severe injuries associated with the Little Giant Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire has destroyed at least 35 structures in the Entiat Valley, including 2 primary residences, 13 secondary homes/cabins, and over 20 outbuildings. An additional 173 structures remain directly threatened under Level 3 evacuation orders.
School and Business Closures: Local outdoor recreation and tourism businesses have been heavily impacted by the extensive closures in the national forest and the ongoing state of emergency declared by Chelan County.
Notable Impacts: The fire has generated massive smoke plumes and pyrocumulus clouds that have been visible from as far away as Seattle, significantly impacting the region's daily life. Unpredictable fire behavior, compromised trees, and rolling debris have severely limited access to impacted areas.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: While widespread power outages are not currently reported, local utility infrastructure remains threatened by advancing flames and falling trees.
Water Safety: No specific water advisories are currently in place, but residents should monitor local alerts as ash fallout may affect surface water sources.
Burn Bans: A strict burn ban is in effect across Chelan County and Washington State, restricting all outdoor burning due to extreme fire danger.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire has created severe health hazards, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Leavenworth previously spiking to hazardous levels (exceeding 849). Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors, limit outdoor physical activity, and use HEPA air purifiers if possible.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: At 15% containment, the fire remains a major threat. Firefighters are prioritizing the strengthening of containment lines and the protection of threatened communities. Due to the steep, inaccessible terrain and the abundance of dead, dry fuels, officials project that full containment will require significant time and sustained effort.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Red Flag Warning conditions have been a persistent challenge. Over the last 72 hours, the area was buffeted by thunderstorms that produced light, ineffective rain but brought dangerous lightning strikes and 40 mph wind gusts. Firefighters remain on high alert for shifting winds that could push the fire into unburned fuels or spark new spot fires.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Little Giant Fire was sparked by a lightning strike on July 16, 2026.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather and climate conditions have played a major role in the fire's unprecedented size and intensity. Dry vegetation, prolonged high temperatures, and persistent strong winds have fueled rapid spread. The fire has even generated its own weather systems, including pyrocumulus fire clouds. Recent weekend thunderstorms brought erratic winds and lightning but very little precipitation, exacerbating the dry and volatile conditions typical of this severe fire season.

For more information, visit:

• Chelan County Emergency Management
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR)
• InciWeb - Official Incident Information System