Washington Fires
Track active Washington wildfires with a live WA wildfire map. See fires in Washington today – location, size, and containment status – plus new and updated Washington wildfire information for 2026. We monitor official sources so you always see current, verified data.
Daily Wildfire Report
Daily Wildfire Report for Washington - August 10, 2026
Overview
Washington is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a dry and unstable air mass, high temperatures, and critically dry fuels across the state. A state of emergency has been declared for 20 Eastern Washington counties as new and existing wildfires threaten homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The combination of extremely dry fuels and windy conditions has led to catastrophic fire behavior, particularly in the eastern half of the state.
Current Situation
Fire Activity: There are currently multiple large, uncontained wildfires burning across Washington, requiring significant state and national resources. Over 5,000 personnel are responding to at least 18 large fires throughout the state. The potential for new significant wildfires remains high due to critical fire weather conditions, and firefighters are working to contain existing perimeters while preparing for potential new starts.
Key Fires:
- Sinlahekin Fire: Located in the Loomis State Forest north of Tonasket, this lightning-caused fire started on July 26, 2026. It is currently the largest fire in the state at 137,611 acres and is 34% contained. The fire is burning through heavy timber and dry brush, prompting ongoing evacuations and threatening local communities.
- Little Giant Fire: Burning north of Lake Wenatchee in Chelan County, this fire started on July 15, 2026. It has grown to 97,539 acres and is currently 1% contained. Fueled by heavy timber and dry vegetation, the fire has forced closure orders in the area. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines in challenging, rugged terrain.
- Spokane Area Fires (Spokane Complex): Comprising the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires in Spokane County, these fires started on August 1, 2026. While smaller in acreage than the remote fires, they pose the highest risk to human life and property. Fueled by dry brush, timber, and urban materials, the fires were driven by 35-40 mph winds, resulting in the destruction of over 840 structures and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Containment ranges from 13% to 37% across the incidents. Crews are rapidly building fire perimeters and monitoring for hotspots.
- Ptarmigan Fire: Located in the Okanogan National Forest near the Canadian border, this fire started on July 17, 2026. It has burned 21,385 acres and remains 0% contained.
Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger and shared resources assisting with wildland fire efforts, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented a statewide burn ban on all state lands. Additionally, Stage 2 Burn Bans are in effect in multiple counties, prohibiting all outdoor open burning, including residential yard debris fires and recreational fires. All prescribed fire operations have been halted until conditions meet strict safety standards.
Air Quality: An Air Quality Alert is in effect for much of Eastern Washington, including Spokane County, where particulate matter has reached "Unhealthy" to "Very Unhealthy" levels due to lingering wildfire smoke. Light onshore winds are slowly pushing smoke out of Western Washington, but hazy conditions remain near the Cascade Foothills.
Weather and Wind Warnings
Current Weather: A dry and unstable air mass is present across the region, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Western Washington is seeing some improvement in air quality and marine clouds, but the eastern half of the state remains critically dry.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for much of Central and Eastern Washington, including the Cascade mountains, Palouse, Columbia Basin, and Blue Mountains. Breezy westerly winds of 20 to 40 mph are expected to combine with low relative humidity (8% to 18%), creating dangerous fire weather conditions that could lead to rapid fire spread.
Recommendations
Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a fire, such as dragging trailer chains, driving over dry grass, or using outdoor equipment that sparks. Residents in evacuation zones must adhere to local emergency management orders and have a personal evacuation plan ready.
Resource Allocation: Over 5,000 personnel are responding to fires throughout the state, with over 1,500 assigned to the Spokane area fires alone. A state of emergency declaration has allowed officials to mobilize the Washington National Guard to assist local governments and firefighters who are working day and night under extreme conditions.
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 (DNR): www.dnr.wa.gov/Wildfires
Washington Emergency Management Division: mil.wa.gov/wildfire
Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

















































































































































































