LITTLE GIANT

Fire behavior slows as crews focus on mop-up and suppression repair

The Little Giant Fire is burning in timber and understory within the Chiwawa River drainage northwest of Leavenworth. Spread has slowed significantly over the last 72 hours, with fire activity limited to backing, creeping, and smoldering in interior unburned pockets. The fire poses no immediate threat to nearby communities.

Evacuations and Closures

• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest area, road, and trail closures remain in effect in the vicinity of the fire (September 21).
• No evacuation orders or warnings are currently in effect (September 21).

Impact

Periodic morning smoke may settle into nearby valleys, though air quality in Leavenworth, Peshastin, Entiat, and Chelan has improved to mostly good and moderate levels. No structural damage or injuries have been reported.

Conditions and Outlook

Cooler conditions are expected over the coming days, accompanied by rising humidity, west-northwest winds, and a chance of light rain by midweek. These conditions will keep fire behavior moderated to low-intensity smoldering and creeping. Firefighters are using infrared-equipped drones to locate lingering hot spots around Trinity while crews continue hazardous tree removal, patrol, and suppression repair along lines and recreation sites.

Cause and Context

The fire was started by lightning in mid-July. State geologists have cautioned that steep burn scars created by the fire present a heightened hazard for flash flooding, landslides, and debris flows, especially downstream in the Entiat Valley.

Official updates current through September 21, 2026.