Washington Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Washington - June 20, 2026

Overview

Washington is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a combination of early-season drying, less-than-usual snowpack, and statewide drought conditions that were declared earlier this spring. The transition to warmer, drier, and windier weather has favored rapid wildfire growth, particularly in Eastern Washington. The state legislature has appropriated significant funding for firefighting this year, as the National Interagency Fire Center predicts above-average wildfire risk for the region throughout the summer.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires across central and southeastern Washington. Significant wildland fire activity is occurring, requiring robust interagency support. Firefighters are working aggressively to contain these fires, mop up hot spots, and prepare for potential new starts driven by gusty winds.

Key Fires:

• Tule Fire: Located near Satus Peak south of Toppenish in the Yakima region, this is currently the largest fire in the state. It has burned approximately 24,180 acres and is 95% contained. Fueled by highly receptive dry grass and brush, crews continue to strengthen containment lines and improve fire perimeter security.
• Upriver Fire: Burning near Spokane, this fast-moving fire is highly significant due to the extreme threat to life and property. Ignited on June 16, it has burned 213 acres and is 60% contained. Fueled by timber and grass, it was pushed rapidly into residential areas by strong winds. The fire has destroyed at least 15 homes, forced the evacuation of roughly 1,500 residents, and tragically resulted in one fatality and one missing person. FEMA has authorized Fire Management Assistance Grant funds to help with firefighting costs.
• Juniper Dunes Fire: Located 10 miles northeast of Pasco in Franklin County, this fire burned 13,003 acres into the Juniper Dunes Wilderness and is now 100% contained. Fueled by grass and desert brush, the perimeter is cold, but crews continue to monitor interior hot spots.
• Highway 730 / Twin Sisters Fire: Burned 8,262 acres near the Wallula Gap and is now 100% contained.
• Tucannon Fire: Located in Columbia and Garfield Counties, this fire has burned 8,069 acres and is 100% contained.
• Roza Fire: Burning in Kittitas and Yakima Counties near the I-82 corridor, this fire has burned 3,923 acres and is 90% contained. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for portions of the fire area.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Burn bans are currently in effect for much of the region, and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. The extreme risk of prescribed burns escaping during these drought conditions was highlighted earlier this season when a controlled burn in Badger Canyon went out of control. Local agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources, have prepositioned emergency resources and brush trucks designed to quickly contain wildland fires. Additionally, regional utility providers have entered fire safety mode, meaning power lines that have been disturbed will not automatically re-energize in order to reduce ignition risks.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A very warm and dry airmass is currently in place across eastern and central Washington following a strong, dry cold front.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect for Saturday, June 20, from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The warning covers the Central Washington Cascade Foothills, Waterville Plateau, Western Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley, and the greater Columbia Basin. Winds are expected out of the west at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Relative humidity is expected to drop to critically low levels, between 9% and 22%. This combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures means any new fire starts will catch and spread rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to strictly adhere to local burn bans and avoid any outdoor burning. It is critical to prevent sparks; ensure trailer chains are securely attached to prevent them from dragging on the ground, as metal striking rocks or asphalt has already accidentally sparked multiple fires this season. Residents in affected areas, particularly near the Roza and Upriver fires, should have an emergency plan in place and monitor local authorities for evacuation updates.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions to mop up existing fires and maintain perimeters. Agencies are actively patrolling and have prepositioned resources to rapidly respond to any new ignitions during this critical fire weather window.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Washington Emergency Management Division: mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR): www.dnr.wa.gov/wildfires

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.