Washington Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across Washington in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, and NASA FIRMS, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in Washington
Washington wildfires come from both lightning and human causes, with lightning common in the dry forests and shrub-steppe east of the Cascades and human starts more frequent near communities. The contrast between the wet, forested west side and the dry eastern rangelands means fire risk and fuels differ sharply across the state. East winds and hot, dry summer ridges can push fast-moving fires through grass, sagebrush, and timber.
Washington fire season
Washington's wildfire season runs from roughly June through October, with the driest, most fire-prone conditions east of the Cascades. Both lightning and human-caused fires are common across the state's forests and shrub-steppe.
Washington's wildfire season generally runs from summer into early fall, building as eastern fuels cure. The hottest, driest weeks of late summer usually bring the highest risk. Conditions ease as fall moisture returns, especially on the west side.
How to read the Washington map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and tapping one shows its status and details. Fire perimeters and evacuation zones appear as local emergency management issues them, and you can add smoke and air-quality layers. Check current fire restrictions before any outdoor fire.
We keep the Washington map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for Washington
Everything we show for Washington traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
Washington wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in Washington right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across Washington in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see Washington evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for Washington appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in Washington?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in Washington?
Fire bans and restrictions for Washington are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in Washington?
Washington's wildfire season generally runs from summer into early fall, with peak risk in the hot, dry weeks of late summer, especially east of the Cascades. We keep the map live year round.
What causes most wildfires in Washington?
Both lightning and human activity cause Washington wildfires, with lightning common in the dry country east of the Cascades and human starts more frequent near communities. East winds and dry summer ridges can drive fast-moving fires through grass, sagebrush, and timber.
How do I sign up for Washington evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your county emergency-management agency, often through county sign-up systems and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. Washington commonly uses a Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set), Level 3 (Go Now) framework. We show evacuation information on the map as agencies issue it, but always register locally and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get Washington fire data?
We draw Washington fire information from official state and federal sources, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.