Wildfire Season: New Fires, Closures and Burn Bans

While summer is the prime time for hiking, it also happens to be the season of wildfires. Find out about current wildfires, burn bans and how to check conditions before you go.

Smoke and flames from the Gilbert Mountain fire August 2, 2018. Photo/USFS.

Current Wildfires

As of Aug 3, 2018, InciWeb reports five active wildfires affecting the state of Washington, several of which have closed campgrounds and trails.

• The Crescent Mountain (and smaller Gilbert Fire) burning at the head of the Twisp River in the Sawtooth range of the North Cascades is the largest active fire, with the most closures.
• The small Cutthroat Fire in the North Cascades has been 100% contained, but closures remain in effect until the risk can be reevaluated.
• The Cougar Creek Fire has prompted evacuations and closures in the Entiat area.
• The Miriam Fire is burning near White Pass Ski Area and has closed trails and roads in the area.

Check conditions & HOW TO Report a fire

It's a good idea to check official sources, like Inciweb, before heading out. They will have information, maps and recent updates about all wildfires burning across Washington. You can also follow the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Fire account at @waDNR_fire. To report a fire in Washington, call 800-562-6010.

• Bookmark it: Conditions and closures can change daily, so check before you go, and stay updated on current fires in Washington state.
• Air quality: As wildfire season begins in earnest, it is a good idea check the air quality map before hiking or spending much time outside. 

August 2 photo of the Miriam Fire at Rimrock Lake. Credit Howard Hunter.

WTA Hike Finder Map: Fire Overlay

To help make your wildfire research a little easier, we've added the official fire map overlay to our Hike Finder map. It will help give you a little more context for where fires are burning in relationship to your favorite trails.

A few notes about using the overlay:

• To turn the overlay on and off, toggle the button in the top left that says 'Wildfires.'
• Note that the orange-shaded areas show the closed areas, not where fires have burned.
• The map is not 100% real-time. Some fires may need to reach a certain size or have been burning for a few days before they make it to the map.
  

Fire Safety

• Wildfire Season and Campfire Safety

• Escape Routes and Safety Zones: Tips for Hiking in Wildfire Season
• Washington Smoke Information
• To report a wildfire in Washington, call 800-562-6010.
• Follow the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Fire account at @waDNR_fire