Washington Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Washington - July 31, 2026

Overview

Washington is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to persistent hot, dry summer weather, tinder-dry vegetation, and an influx of thousands of lightning strikes that occurred in mid-July. This combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations and highly active wildfires across the state, particularly east of the Cascades. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is elevated, indicating that state and national resources are heavily committed to managing the ongoing incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active, large-scale fires in Washington, with significant wildland fire activity occurring primarily in the central and eastern geographic areas. Firefighters are working to contain these fires while preparing for a highly critical fire weather event expected to bring strong winds and rapid spread potential to new and existing starts over the weekend.

Key Fires:

• Kaiser Canyon Fire: Located on the Colville Reservation near Nespelem in Okanogan and Ferry counties, this is the state's largest active fire at 129,124 acres and is currently 27% contained. Fueled by extremely dry vegetation, brush, and timber, the fire is threatening nearby communities, a tribal government center, cultural sites, and critical infrastructure. Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders are in effect for areas including the Columbia River Campground. FEMA has authorized Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) funds to support firefighting costs.
• Little Giant Fire: Located 22 miles northwest of Leavenworth on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this fire has burned 25,480 acres and is 0% contained. It continues to exhibit extreme fire behavior in heavy timber and dry fuels, producing a massive smoke plume visible across the state.
• Modrite Fire: Burning on the Colville Reservation just west of the Columbia River, this fire has grown to 19,475 acres and is 63% contained. Fire activity has been active in recent days, pushing north through dry brush and timber.
• Ptarmigan Fire: Located in the North Cascades, this fire has been highly active, burning an estimated 18,000 acres with 0% containment in steep, challenging terrain.
• Sinlahekin Fire: North of Conconully on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this is currently the fastest-growing fire in the state. It has burned 10,527 acres since starting recently and remains 0% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger, strict burn bans are in effect across the state. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented a comprehensive burn ban on all lands it manages in Eastern Washington, prohibiting outdoor burning, campfires, and the use of charcoal briquettes. Additionally, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are active across the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, banning all campfires, even in developed campgrounds. Countywide burn bans are also active in several western counties, including Snohomish and Island counties.

Air Quality: Widespread smoke is severely impacting air quality across eastern and central Washington. Air Quality Alerts are in effect for multiple counties, including Spokane, Adams, Okanogan, and Stevens. Overnight smoke draining into valleys is a major concern for communities like the Methow Valley, Chelan, and Leavenworth, where air quality may reach "Very Unhealthy" or "Hazardous" levels.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A very warm and dry airmass remains in place across central and eastern Washington, continuing to dry out receptive fuels.
Forecasted Weather: The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted parts of eastern Washington with an "Extremely Critical" fire weather designation beginning Saturday, August 1. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for most areas east of the Cascades. A strong, dry cold front will bring widespread westerly wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph (with local gusts up to 50 mph) paired with very low relative humidity. This will fuel continued active fire behavior and lead to the rapid spread of any new ignitions.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents in central and eastern Washington, or those traveling east of the Cascades this weekend, are urged to have emergency plans in place and ensure their phones have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled. It is crucial to heed all evacuation orders (Level 1, 2, and 3) and avoid any activities that could spark new wildfires. Residents in smoke-impacted areas should limit outdoor exposure and keep indoor air clean.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are utilizing ground resources, heavy equipment, and aircraft where terrain and visibility allow. Agencies are prioritizing the protection of homes, communities, and critical infrastructure while bracing for the incoming critical wind event.

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 (DNR): www.dnr.wa.gov/Wildfires
Washington Smoke Information Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.