Washington Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Washington - April 20, 2026

Overview

Washington is experiencing an elevated early-season fire risk due to an abnormally warm winter and a concerningly low snowpack across the state. Fire officials are urging early wildfire preparations, as these conditions raise concerns for a potentially intense fire season driven by human-caused fires and rapidly drying landscapes.
The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire activity in Washington is currently characterized by small starts, with no large-scale, uncontained mega-fires burning in the state. Over the past 72 hours, initial attack crews have successfully held new ignitions. Firefighters are working to quickly contain these small, human-caused starts while preparing for increased activity in the coming months.

Key Fires:
Currently, there are no significant large wildfires active in Washington. Small, human-caused starts are being quickly contained by initial attack crews. These initial fires are primarily being fueled by dry pre-green up surface fuels, dead grasses, and brush that have dried out rapidly due to the lack of significant winter snowpack.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local partners, including the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, are actively conducting prescribed burns to manage fuel loads, consume slash, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. Operations include a 900-acre prescribed burn planned in Kittitas County near Ellensburg, a 500-acre operation near Conconully in Okanogan County, and mopping up a 35-acre prescribed burn near the Upper Wheeler Reservoir in Chelan County. Additionally, the DNR recently conducted aviation mock fire exercises in the Capitol State Forest to train helicopter and ground crews for the upcoming season.

Air Quality: Smoke impacts from the prescribed fires are expected to be minimal and short-lived compared to wildfires. However, smoke may be visible from communities such as Entiat, Ardenvoir, Manson, Chelan, Winthrop, Twisp, and Carlton. Residents who are sensitive to smoke should be prepared to take precautions and monitor local air quality.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A cold front has moved into the region over the last 72 hours, delivering a chance for scattered showers, mountain snow, and gusty winds, which is aiding in keeping fire behavior moderate for the time being.
Forecasted Weather: Seasonal forecasts predict drier-than-normal conditions over western Washington and the Cascades through June, fostering a drying of vegetation and surface debris. Warmer-than-normal temperatures are also anticipated. While recent precipitation has helped, the underlying lack of snowpack and dry surface fuels remain a concern for the upcoming months.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to make early wildfire preparations and be mindful of human-caused fire risks. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, create defensible space, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. Outdoor burning should be done with extreme caution, adhering to all local restrictions.
Resource Allocation: While the regional preparedness level remains low, state and federal resources are actively preparing for increased activity. Agencies are conducting fuel mitigation projects, prescribed burns, and training exercises, such as the recent aviation mock fire exercises, to ensure readiness for the peak fire season.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR): wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.