The massive Tartar Fire in Washington County, Idaho, has grown to 158,022 acres but crews have made significant progress, reaching 82% containment as of August 8 after more than two weeks of intense firefighting.

The Spokane Complex Fire — comprising the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires — has become one of Washington state’s most destructive wildfire events ever, destroying hundreds of structures and displacing tens of thousands.

The U.S. is battling 97 large fires across 3.5 million acres as of August 8, with Oregon and Washington shouldering the heaviest burden in what is shaping up to be one of the worst fire seasons on record.

The fast-growing Little Giant Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has exploded to more than 82,000 acres with just 1% containment, threatening communities in Chelan County.

NIFC forecasts above-average wildfire potential for Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through September. With fire season far from over, here's what every Pacific Northwest household should know about preparedness.

FEMA denied federal firefighting assistance grants for two of Oregon's largest 2026 fires, drawing sharp pushback from Senators Wyden and Merkley. The dispute highlights the national tension between suppression spending and prevention funding.

National Preparedness Level 5 has been in effect since July 18, with 30,132 personnel deployed nationwide. The Northwest GACC is also at PL5 as Oregon and Washington host nearly half the nation's active large fires.

"Particularly Dangerous Situation" Red Flag Warnings cover nearly all of Oregon east of the Cascades and much of eastern Washington, with temperatures topping 100°F, humidity in the single digits, and gusty winds.

Wildfire smoke has reached hazardous levels across the Pacific Northwest, with Wenatchee AQI topping 1,500 and Portland ranking among the worst major cities globally. Health advisories are in effect regionwide.

More than 65,000 residents across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho remain displaced by active wildfires. Spokane County, Mount Hood's east side, and Washington County Idaho all have active evacuation orders.

The Grasshopper Fire on the east side of Mount Hood has grown to 39,439 acres at 20% containment. Mt. Hood Meadows is under evacuation, and eastern Clackamas County has been placed on preparation orders.

Idaho's Tartar Fire near Weiser has burned 138,271 acres and reached 41% containment. Level 3 evacuations remain in effect west of Highway 95 as Southwest Area IMT 1 reinforces fire lines.

Three Spokane County fires — Autumn Lane (37%), Fairview (31%), and Old Trails (23%) — have destroyed 700+ structures and displaced 67,000 residents. Containment is climbing but critical days lie ahead.

With 95 large fires burning and national resources fully committed at Preparedness Level 5, the Pacific Northwest leads the nation in active fire count — Oregon has 29, Washington 18, Idaho 7.

Oregon's Rowe Creek Complex and Grasshopper Fire are the headliners in a record-shattering season that has burned over 1.59 million acres — surpassing the state's previous all-time record. Dry thunderstorms this weekend may spark additional ignitions.

Washington has secured a federal emergency declaration covering six counties and three Tribal nations, while Oregon has received FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Rowe Creek Complex and other fires. A Major Disaster Declaration may follow as damage assessments progress.

International firefighters from Australia and New Zealand, four military MAFFS C-130 airtankers, U.S. Army soldiers, and 25 Incident Management Teams are among the resources deployed to fight Pacific Northwest wildfires as national resources hit their limits.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect for central and eastern Washington and parts of Oregon this weekend, with gusts to 55 mph and humidity as low as 15 percent. A historic PDS Red Flag Warning earlier this week drove the catastrophic Spokane area fire runs.

Wildfire smoke from Pacific Northwest fires has pushed Portland's air quality to among the worst of any major city globally this week. Air quality advisories remain in effect across most of Oregon and Washington, with AQI values reaching Hazardous near active fires.

Evacuation orders and warnings span communities across eastern Washington, northeastern Oregon, and Idaho, including Lake Chelan, Tonasket, Inchelium, Mead, and the Spokane area. Residents under Level 3 orders are urged to leave immediately.