Wildfires in Washington

Written By Alexis Sansone

Smoke above Colchuck Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Aug 3, 2026

I am currently spending a month exploring Washington State, camping and backpacking through some of the most breathtaking wilderness I have ever experienced.

In just six days here, I've also seen firsthand how deeply communities are being affected by the wildfires burning across the state, particularly in Chelan County.

While hiking through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, I met several young people from the area whose homes are currently under a Level 1 evacuation notice. For those of us from the East Coast who are less familiar with wildfire evacuation systems, a Level 1 means "Be Ready." It isn't time to leave yet, but it is time to prepare. Families are asked to stay alert, make a plan, and be ready to evacuate if conditions change. It was incredibly humbling to hear their stories while standing in the very wilderness they call home.

Being surrounded by these incredible mountains while watching them disappear behind layers of wildfire smoke puts so much into perspective. The beauty of this landscape and the reality of what these communities are facing exist side by side.

The growing intensity and frequency of wildfires is deeply concerning. As of today, the Little Giant Fire is just one of more than a dozen large wildfires currently burning across Washington. It has grown to more than 51,000 acres and remains 0% contained after explosive, wind-driven growth over the weekend. More than 1,000 firefighters are working tirelessly to slow its advance by constructing fire lines, conducting strategic burnouts, protecting homes and critical infrastructure, and using aircraft to drop water and fire retardant whenever conditions allow. Despite these incredible efforts, steep terrain, strong winds, and extremely dry conditions continue to fuel the fire's spread.

My heart goes out to everyone whose lives have been turned upside down by these fires, and to the firefighters and first responders putting themselves in harm's way to protect these communities and the landscapes so many of us cherish.

If you're able, please consider supporting those impacted. I've linked a few organizations below where you can donate or learn more. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a difference. ❤️

Ways to help:

  • Innovia Wildfire Response Fund: Innovia Foundation has opened the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund to support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by the Spokane Complex wildfires in our region.

  • Greater Good Charities: Greater Good Charities is mobilizing emergency aid for families and pets, coordinating with partners on the ground to rush emergency aid as the fires continue to spread.

  • World Central Kitchen: WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

From Washington.gov :

Alexis Sansone
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