PTARMIGAN

Minimal fire activity as management transitions to local ranger district

The Ptarmigan Fire is burning in remote timber and heavy slash within the Pasayten Wilderness northwest of Mazama. Fire activity has remained minimal over recent days, with no perimeter growth and activity limited to creeping and smoldering in heavy dead fuels. The fire does not threaten communities or structures, and no evacuation orders are in place.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect (as of September 6).
• All trails north of Harts Pass remain closed, including the Pacific Crest Trail north to the Canadian border, with a designated detour established between Harts Pass and Park Pass (reported September 4).
• Stage 2 fire restrictions and forest closure orders remain active across the Methow Valley Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (reported September 4).
• Harts Pass Road (Forest Service Road 5400) remains open for vehicle travel (reported September 4).

Conditions and Outlook

Light southerly winds will shift westerly over the coming days, with overcast skies giving way to warmer, drier weather and lower humidity by midweek. Fire behavior is expected to stay minimal, with lingering smoldering in stump holes and heavy fuels. Crews are focused on suppression repair, hazard tree removal, and grading along forest roads as management transfers to the local district.

Cause and Context

The fire was ignited by lightning during a mid-July storm in the Pasayten Wilderness. It is burning within the older Tatoosh fire area, where adjacent historic fire scars to the east and west have helped limit further spread.

Resources

• Ptarmigan Fire InciWeb
• Okanogan County Active Incidents
• Washington Smoke Information

Official updates current through September 6, 2026.