Washington Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Washington - May 20, 2026

Overview

Washington is experiencing an elevated fire risk early in the season due to a widespread "snow drought" and unseasonably warm spring temperatures. The state is currently facing its fourth consecutive year of drought conditions, which prompted a statewide drought emergency declaration in April. Snowpack remains far below normal, and melt-out occurred approximately a month earlier than usual. This combination of early snowmelt and below-normal precipitation has left vegetation, forest fuels, and soils exposed and drying out rapidly. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, with resources actively mobilizing for early-season activity across the country.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire activity in Washington is ramping up earlier than normal due to highly receptive fuels, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, though Western Washington is also seeing an unusual increase in risk. While the state is currently managing early-season fires, agencies are bracing for what could be one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in recent history.

Key Fires:
Lakeside Drive Fire: Currently the largest fire in the state this season, this fire started on May 11 and has burned 3,067 acres. Firefighters are actively working to manage the spread, and residents in the vicinity should remain on high alert for potential evacuation notices.

Libby Creek Fire: Located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this fire marked the start of the state's 2026 fire season on May 7. It has burned 125 acres and is currently 100% contained. The fire was human-caused and fueled by timber, slash, and dry surface-level vegetation. Fire crews have successfully established and secured control lines around the fire's perimeter and are currently monitoring the area.

Other active fires currently being monitored include the Stentz Fire, Marshall Lake Fire, and Christensen Fire.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: As of May 14, strict fire restrictions are in effect for all Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-administered lands throughout Washington and Oregon. This prohibits the use of fireworks, exploding targets, steel component ammunition, and sky lanterns to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. Additionally, over the last 72 hours (on May 18), the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office issued an outdoor fire safety alert, urging residents to check local burn portals before engaging in any open flame activities, keeping campfires at least 25 feet away from vegetation, and ensuring all fires are fully extinguished. Local fire departments are also actively working on fuel reduction and thinning foliage to mitigate fire danger in wildland-urban interface areas.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent weather over the last 72 hours has brought partly sunny conditions with temperatures in the upper 50s. While there is a slight chance of light, localized showers in parts of the state today, the overall landscape remains critically dry due to the ongoing drought.
Forecasted Weather: The Climate Prediction Center forecasts that precipitation levels in the Northwest will remain below normal throughout May and June. While active Red Flag Warnings are currently concentrated further south and east of the state, Washington fire meteorologists warn that the state's fuels are highly receptive. Warmer and drier conditions are anticipated to continue, and any localized wind events could easily fan new sparks.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Historically, about 90% of wildfires in Washington are human-caused. Residents are advised to practice extreme caution with campfires, equipment, and any items that could produce a spark. Communities, especially those with high social vulnerability, are encouraged to prioritize educational outreach, home hardening, and fuels reduction programs.
Resource Allocation: The state legislature recently restored $120 million for firefighting and preparedness in 2026. This funding is being utilized to secure aviation assets, AI smoke-detecting cameras, and rural fire department grants, ensuring agencies are well-positioned for the upcoming season.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.