Washington Wildfire Outbreak: Upriver, Kartar, Tucannon, and Tule Fires Burning Across Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington is experiencing one of its most active early-season wildfire outbreaks in recent memory, with at least five significant fires burning simultaneously across the region as of Monday, June 22, 2026. The blazes have forced thousands of evacuations, destroyed structures, and pushed the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) to raise the National Preparedness Level to 3.

Upriver Fire — Near Spokane

The Upriver Fire ignited on June 16, 2026, just east of Spokane city limits, and rapidly spread through the Beacon Hill neighborhood driven by high winds. At its peak, more than 11,000 residents were placed under evacuation orders. The fire resulted in one fatality and the destruction of at least 15 structures. As of Sunday, June 21, the fire stood at approximately 213 acres and had reached 60 percent containment, with evacuation levels downgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready) for remaining affected areas. Northeast Washington Fire Information and the Washington Department of Natural Resources continue to manage the incident.

Kartar Fire — Okanogan County

Near Omak in Okanogan County, the Kartar Fire merged with the adjacent Omak Lake Fire to create a single complex burning approximately 8,000 acres as of Friday, June 19. The combined fire remains 0 percent contained. About 120 personnel are engaged, with dozer and hand crews completing containment lines along Kartar Road and the northern perimeter using backburn operations. Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations remain in effect for residences along Kartar Valley Road, Omak Lake Road, and Columbia River Road. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Mount Tolman Fire Center has been managing the incident.

Tucannon Fire — Columbia County

The Tucannon Fire started June 16 at approximately 4:15 p.m. near Highway 12 and Tucannon Road outside Dayton. The fire rapidly grew from 6,000 acres to over 9,500 acres before crews made significant progress. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized State Fire Mobilization at the request of Columbia County Fire District 3. By June 18, the fire had reached 8,061 acres and 50 percent containment, with no primary structures damaged and no injuries reported. The fire burned through grass and brush, threatening residences, critical infrastructure, and livestock feeding grounds. Crews continue mop-up operations.

Tule Road Fire — Yakama Nation

Burning on the Yakama Indian Reservation south of Toppenish, the Tule Road Fire has grown to more than 24,000 acres and remains 0 percent contained. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is the lead agency, with a Complex Incident Management Team assigned. Red flag warnings have been in effect across the Yakima Valley, complicating suppression efforts. The fire is burning in grass and brush in the semi-arid lowlands of the reservation.

Roza Fire — North of Selah

The Roza Fire, managed by the BLM Spokane District, is burning approximately 9 miles north of Selah in brush and grass terrain. The fire is exhibiting minimal behavior with smoldering activity following recent containment operations. Area closures remain in effect. NIFC notes acreage was reduced following more accurate mapping of the fire perimeter.