Federal land managers have kicked off the fall prescribed fire season in Oregon and Washington, targeting hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring ecosystem function in landscapes left vulnerable after a record wildfire year.

Evacuation orders tied to the Three Queens Fire in Kittitas County have been lifted as containment progresses, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has reduced its closure order as firefighters gain the upper hand on the 9,575-acre blaze.

A strong atmospheric trough is driving a significant pattern change across the Pacific Northwest, delivering cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and light precipitation that are expected to accelerate containment of remaining active fires.

Washington’s wildfire burden remains the heaviest in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 413,000 acres across 20-plus active incidents as firefighters push toward full containment on the season’s largest fires.

Oregon’s active fire count stands at 15 incidents covering roughly 343,000 acres as of mid-October, with most fires well into containment following a brutal summer season.

The 2026 wildfire season has burned more than 9 million acres across the United States as of early October, far exceeding historical averages and straining federal firefighting resources.

The Little Giant Fire, 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth, WA, has shifted to monitoring and mop-up as cooler fall weather arrives — but area closures remain in effect while crews suppress remaining hotspots.

The Grasshopper Fire burned nearly 94,000 acres on the Mt. Hood National Forest, including much of the Badger Creek Wilderness, before achieving full containment in early October. Six homes were destroyed and the landscape will take years to recover.

A major cold front is bringing cooler weather and moisture to the Pacific Northwest this weekend, signaling the effective end of the region's fire season — but forecasters warn pre-frontal winds up to 50 mph could create one last dangerous window.

The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service have launched fall prescribed burning operations across Oregon and Washington, using planned fires to reduce fuel loads and protect communities ahead of the 2027 fire season.

Senators Padilla, Bennet, and Schiff are raising alarms as 2026 federal fire suppression spending approaches $6 billion — nearly exhausting the entire budget — while Oregon approved $108 million in emergency state funds to cover ODF's fire costs.

Wildfire smoke blanketed the Pacific Northwest repeatedly during the 2026 season, with eastern Oregon and Washington seeing the worst air quality impacts. An arriving Pacific front is expected to bring relief — but residents should prepare for future smoke seasons.

Washington State's 2026 wildfire season saw 20 fires burn 413,000+ acres, including the catastrophic Spokane Complex. As the season winds down, state officials are turning to recovery, after-action review, and expanded 2027 mitigation investments.

Two months after the Spokane Complex Fire burned 7,700+ acres and destroyed 600+ structures in August, the Spokane area is deep in recovery — with the city now partnering with firms to help residents navigate rebuilding.

The 2026 wildfire season has burned over 9 million acres nationally through early October — 145% of the 10-year average — with 8 large fires still active and 3,123 personnel still deployed.

Air quality across the Pacific Northwest is improving with the arrival of fall rains, but 2026 ranks among the worst years for wildfire smoke exposure in two decades. Public health officials urge continued vigilance as prescribed burns and residual fire activity may add localized smoke in the coming weeks.

Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking restoration of $4.8 million in prescribed fire funding after the 2025-27 budget slashed the program by 80%—from $6M to $1.2M per biennium—just as the 2026 fire season devastated the Pacific Northwest. The agency points to the Sinlahekin Wildfire as proof that prescribed burns work.

The High Lava Fire in Skamania County, Washington has reached 95% containment across 2,899 acres, with crews completing final mop-up operations as an incoming cold front brings rain expected to extinguish remaining heat sources and push the fire to full containment.

A major cold front is bringing rain and mountain snow to Pacific Northwest fire lines this weekend, expected to significantly moderate fire activity across Washington and Oregon. Winds gusting to 50 mph ahead of the front are creating a brief critical fire weather window in Montana and Wyoming before cooler, wetter conditions arrive.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is planning fall prescribed burns on up to 14,026 acres across six central Washington ranger districts, while WDFW prepares burns at three Okanogan County wildlife area units. Officials say proactive fuels treatment is critical after the record 2026 fire season.