Kaiser Canyon Fire Tops 129,000 Acres on Colville Reservation as Washington Battles 12 Large Active Fires

Washington state is fighting on multiple fronts this fire season, with more than 1,000 active wildfires having burned over 378,000 acres in the Evergreen State as of late July 2026. Twelve large fires are currently listed as active by the National Interagency Fire Center, with the Kaiser Canyon Fire on the Colville Reservation emerging as the largest active incident in the state.

Kaiser Canyon Fire: Washington's Largest Active Blaze

Located near Nespelem on the Colville Reservation in Okanogan and Ferry counties, the Kaiser Canyon Fire has burned approximately 129,124 acres and is 27% contained as of the most recent update. The fire is burning in one of the most fire-prone corridors in the Pacific Northwest, a region that has seen multiple catastrophic fire seasons in recent years.

The Colville Confederated Tribes and cooperating agencies are managing the incident with federal assistance. Evacuation levels have been in effect for portions of the reservation, and road closures are impacting access to affected areas.

Statewide Overview

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported more than 1,000 active wildfires burning across the state as of July 29. The 12 large fires listed by NIFC represent the most significant incidents requiring expanded attack and complex management resources.

Eastern Washington, particularly Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, and Chelan counties, has seen the most activity. The region's dry ponderosa pine and shrub-steppe landscapes are highly vulnerable during the late-July heat.

Earlier Incidents

Washington's fire season gained momentum in early July. The Transfer Fire near Lake Chelan, which first appeared in the early hours of July 4 in Douglas County, burned nearly 35 acres before being fully contained. The fire served as an early warning of the dangerous conditions to come.

Smoke Impacts in Western Washington

While most fires are burning east of the Cascades, smoke from both Oregon and Washington fires has drifted westward on certain wind days, affecting air quality in the Puget Sound area. Seattle-area residents have experienced hazy skies, though AQI levels in the metro area have generally remained in the moderate range compared to the severe conditions in Eastern Washington and Oregon.

Resources and Response

Washington DNR is coordinating with the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC) in Portland to manage resource deployment across both states. The NWCC is tracking all large fires in Oregon and Washington on its interactive map, updated daily throughout the fire season.