The Sisi Fire — Washington state's last significant active wildfire — has entered a monitoring phase after a transfer of command from the U.S. Forest Service to the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, effective October 13, 2026.

As of late October, the fire had burned between 4,615 and 4,816 acres across a rugged, remote stretch of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and North Cascades National Park, located 10 miles northwest of the community of Stehekin in Chelan County. The fire originated from a lightning strike on August 14, 2026, and has been burning for more than 85 days.

Fire Behavior and Current Conditions

Fire behavior has moderated significantly since the explosive growth that occurred in late August following a critical fire weather event. Current fire activity consists primarily of backing, creeping, and flanking spread as sheltered fuels under a dense timber canopy support limited movement. The fire continues to back down steep slopes toward the Stehekin River and along the Agnes Creek drainage.

The terrain remains extremely challenging: 50-degree slopes, large snags, heavy downed fuel loads, and inaccessible drainages have made direct suppression difficult and dangerous throughout the incident. During the fire's most active phase in August, crews were forced to disengage from direct attack on multiple occasions due to rolling debris, tree torching, and spotting on steep terrain.

Fuels in the area include mature closed timber litter, timber with brush understory, grass, and shrub models. Primary tree species include mixed sizes and densities of Douglas Fir, true fir species, and Ponderosa Pine. Large snags and heavy downed fuel loadings are common throughout all areas.

Closures in Effect Through December 31

Significant closures remain in place and are expected to continue through December 31, 2026 unless rescinded sooner:

  • Trail closures on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the fire area, including specific roads and trails listed in the Forest closure order
  • Pacific Crest Trail closure between the North Cascades National Park/Glacier Peak Wilderness boundary and High Bridge along the Agnes Creek corridor
  • North Cascades National Park Service Complex fire closures in the affected wilderness area

Hikers and recreationists planning trips to the Lake Chelan-Stehekin corridor, Glacier Peak Wilderness, or the PCT in this section should consult current closure maps before heading out. Closure orders and maps are available on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee) and the North Cascades National Park fire closures page (nps.gov/noca).

Scaled-Down Response

With command transferred to the National Park Service and weather improving dramatically, the suppression effort has been significantly scaled back. As of late October, 32 personnel remained assigned to the fire — down from peak numbers during August and September when the fire demanded extensive aerial and ground resources.

Fire managers say the Sisi Fire will likely continue to smolder in deep duff and heavy fuels through the fall until snowfall extinguishes it completely. The Pacific storm arriving in British Columbia this week is expected to bring high-elevation snow to the North Cascades, which will further suppress remaining heat in the fire area.

Residents and visitors near the Stehekin area should continue to monitor NPS updates for any changes in fire behavior or closure status. For the latest information, contact the North Cascades Public Affairs Office at noca_publicaffairs@nps.gov or visit the NPS fire closures website.