Washington’s three largest wildfires continue to influence air quality across Grant and Adams counties

MOSES LAKE — The three largest wildfires currently burning in Washington state remain the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon Fire on the Colville Reservation, and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County. Together, the fires have burned more than 428,000 acres and continue to generate smoke that is affecting air quality across portions of North Central Washington, including Grant and Adams counties. 

The Sinlahekin Fire, burning west of Tonasket, remains the largest wildfire in the state at 154,162 acres with 44% containment. The lightning-caused fire received beneficial overnight rainfall in its central area, allowing crews to extinguish lingering hot spots near Toby’s Mill. However, firefighters continue battling active fire behavior along the northern and southern flanks where conditions remain dry. 

Fire managers said their top priorities include securing containment lines near Salmon Meadows and Toats Coulee while continuing structure protection efforts around Toby’s Mill. More than 1,700 personnel are assigned to the incident. 

The Kaiser Canyon Fire near Nespelem is now 138,296 acres and 84% contained. Firefighters spent recent days strengthening containment lines, extinguishing hot spots and monitoring isolated heat sources identified by unmanned aircraft systems. Although last week's rainfall slowed fire activity, officials warned that warmer and drier weather is reducing those benefits as fuels continue to dry. 

The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County has burned 135,985 acres and remains only 10% contained, making it one of the state's most active large incidents. Nearly 2,000 personnel are assigned to the fire. Crews continue strategic firing operations in the Chiwawa and Entiat river drainages while preparing contingency lines ahead of forecasted winds and increased fire activity. 

While none of the fires are producing widespread hazardous smoke conditions in Grant and Adams counties at this time, air quality monitors indicate wildfire smoke is continuing to affect the region. 

According to AirNow, air quality Tuesday was in the Moderate category across much of Grant County, including Moses Lake (AQI 78), Ephrata (AQI 91), Coulee City (AQI 91), Soap Lake (AQI 91) and Quincy (AQI 94). In Adams County, Othello recorded an AQI of 63, while Ritzville registered 71, both in the Moderate range. 

Forecasts indicate smoke impacts could increase later this week. AirNow projects Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups conditions Thursday in Moses Lake, Coulee City, Soap Lake and Warden. Ephrata and Quincy are expected to remain in the Moderate category throughout the week, while Othello and Ritzville are forecast to fluctuate between Good and Moderate conditions. 

The combination of large active fires in Okanogan and Chelan counties, coupled with warm temperatures, dry air and periodic southwest winds, continues to transport smoke into portions of central Washington. Weather forecasts call for temperatures to reach the lower 90s in parts of the region Tuesday, with afternoon wind gusts capable of increasing fire activity and smoke production. 

Residents with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are advised to monitor air quality conditions and limit prolonged outdoor exertion during periods of elevated smoke. 

Officials remind drivers traveling near fire zones to use caution, avoid parking on dry vegetation and remain alert for firefighting equipment and personnel working along roadways. 

Active blazes in Wash:

Border 2 Fire: 7,296 acres. No containment. Started July 16. Whatcom County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $2.59 million.  

Bradeen Hill Fire: 4,417 acres. 92% containment. Started July 25. Stevens County. Human caused. The total estimated cost is $14.9 million. 

Grant Park 2 Fire: 167 acres. 57% containment. Started Aug. 7. Pierce County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $500,000. 

High Lava Fire: 1,359 acres. 8% containment. Started July 23. Skamania County. Lightning or natural cause. The total estimated cost is $10 million.  

Hudspeth Fire: 6,726 acres. 96% contained. Started Aug. 1. Stevens County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $4.9 million.  

Kaiser Canyon Fire: 138,298 acres. 86% contained. Started July 16. Okanogan County. Lighting caused. The total estimated cost is $75 million.  

Little Giant Fire: 135,985 acres. 10% containment. Started July 15. Chelan County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $60 million.  

Luna Fire: 4,475 acres. No containment. Started July 24. Whatcom County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $5 million.  

Modrite Fire: 57,619 acres. 92% contained. Started July 17. Ferry County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $50 million.   

Ptarmigan Fire: 24,647 acres. 55% contained. Started July 17. Okanogan County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $10 million. 

Reevas Basin Fire: 250 acres. 40% contained. Started Aug. 15. Okanogan County. Human caused. The total estimated cost is $100,000. 

Sinlahekin Fire: 154,162 acres. 44% contained. Started July 26. Okanogan County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $100 million.  

Skyo Fire: 254 acres. 83 percent contained. Started July 22. Lewis County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $6 million.  

Spokane Area Fires: 9,932 acres total. Old Trails fire is 97% contained. Fairview Fire is 97% contained. Autumn Lane Fire is 97% contained. Started Aug. 1. Spokane County. Human caused.  

The total estimated cost is $32.46 million.  

Three Queens Fire: 3,636 acres. 2% containment. Started July 15. Kittitas County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $20 million.  

Well Road Fire: 1,865 acres. 78% contained. Started Aug. 8. Whitman County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $820,109. 

SOURCES: INCIWEB, NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER and AIRNOW.