Washington Fires

Late-Season Cascades Fires Smolder as Cooler Weather and Gusts Approach

Wildfire activity across Washington remains subdued, with a handful of established fires smoldering in rugged backcountry and national park terrain. Mount Rainier National Park maintains trail closures around active and smoldering fires, while statewide fire danger is generally low. An incoming cold front is expected to bring gusty winds and cooler temperatures to eastern Washington late in the week.

Key Fires

• Garda Falls Fire — Burning in the West Fork White River drainage within Mount Rainier National Park, the fire is backing and climbing toward a ridge where sparse fuels should limit its growth. Colder, cloudier conditions and sub-freezing overnight temperatures are expected to dampen activity over the coming days.
• Wonderland Complex — Park and fire crews continue to monitor the West Fork and Pigeon fires, which are smoldering without recent perimeter growth. Backcountry trail closures remain in effect across the Grand Park area, the Northern Loop Trail, and parts of the Wonderland Trail.
• Sisi Fire — Located northwest of Stehekin, the fire continues to show minimal spread under the supervision of a local incident management team. Breezy to gusty winds and sharply cooler temperatures will arrive late in the week, followed by a chance of light moisture over the weekend.
• Three Queens Fire — Fire behavior in Kittitas County has subsided to interior creeping and smoldering well within established containment lines. Crews continue monitoring the perimeter as calm autumn weather keeps activity low.

Conditions and Outlook

No Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches are active in Washington, and significant fire potential remains low statewide. An approaching cold front will produce gusty westerly winds across eastern Washington late Thursday into Friday, elevating the risk of grass fire spread in dry fine fuels. Mountain zones will see cooler daytime temperatures and near-freezing nights, along with a chance of light rain or snow heading into the weekend.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Washington State Parks maintains Level 2 burn restrictions at parks including Conconully, Rainbow Falls, Rasar, and Riverside, limiting wood campfires to designated metal pits. Chelan County continues to report high fire danger.

What Residents Should Do

• Check Mount Rainier National Park trail closures and backcountry conditions before visiting.
• Adhere to local campfire restrictions and ensure all campfires are completely extinguished.
• Secure trailer chains and take precautions against sparks as gusty winds develop late this week.