Autumn weather is finally taming the Sisi Fire northwest of Stehekin in Washington's North Cascades, as recent rain and snow showers have reduced fire behavior to creeping and backing in timber litter. The fire, which burned 4,615 acres at its peak, remains an open incident on InciWeb but no longer poses the aggressive growth threat it did during the height of the 2026 season.
Behavior and Current Status
Firefighters report that the Sisi Fire is behaving in a low-intensity manner consistent with seasonal cooling and increased moisture. Active flaming has largely ceased, replaced by slow smoldering in deep duff and timber litter in some portions of the fire's interior. The precipitation is a welcome relief for incident personnel who managed the fire through one of Washington's worst fire seasons on record.
Despite the improved conditions, residences in the Stehekin Valley remain listed as threatened structures in the incident management system, as the fire perimeter has not yet been fully contained. Crews continue to monitor the situation and perform any needed patrol work.
Trail and Access Closures
Emergency closures remain in effect across the fire area, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail in the vicinity of the fire. Hikers and backpackers planning late-season trips to the Stehekin corridor and adjacent wilderness should check current closure orders before heading out.
The PCT closure comes on top of a broader series of trail closures that affected the Cascades this summer. The Three Queens Fire, also burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, closed approximately 50 miles of the PCT between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass at its peak — portions of which are now being reopened as that fire reaches 90% containment.
A Season of Unprecedented Strain on the North Cascades
The Sisi Fire was one of several significant fires that struck the North Cascades and Methow Valley region this season. Washington's 2026 fire siege included the Little Giant Fire at 172,912 acres and the Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket at an estimated 166,000 acres. Together, these fires stretched suppression resources to their limits, bringing in military aircraft, out-of-region hotshot crews, and international fire personnel.
As November progresses and snowpack builds at higher elevations, the remaining open incidents in Washington are expected to transition from active suppression to monitoring and mop-up operations.