"The fire’s rapid expansion to nearly 3,000 acres and the sustained deployment of over 300 personnel highlight its significant impact on the region’s forest resources and the substantial financial commitment required for suppression."
The HIGH LAVA wildfire, located 11 miles northwest of Stabler in Skamania County, Washington, was first discovered on July 23, 2026. By August 6 it had burned 407 acres, and it grew rapidly to 1,990 acres by August 26 before expanding to 2,871 acres on August 29. The fire’s behavior shifted from active and backing to moderate and then minimal, with periods of creeping, flanking, and isolated torching. Containment remained low at 8% until August 21 when it rose to 19%, and it reached 63% containment by September 4, eventually stabilizing at 80% by September 17. The U.S. Forest Service has committed up to 328 personnel and estimated costs have climbed to $17,000,000 as of the latest update. The cause is natural.
Official source description: 11 Miles NW from Stabler, WA
Minimal; Smoldering; Creeping; Backing
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Yacolt. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is currently minimal and largely smoldering, but residents should remain vigilant for potential flare-ups and follow any local advisories.
IRWIN ID: {0B15D818-66C9-4225-B4BE-86A858CAD8E8}
Discovered: Jul 23, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $18,000,000
Coordinates: 45.8805, -122.1162
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The HIGH LAVA Fire has burned 2,899 acres as of September 23, 2026.
As of the latest update, the HIGH LAVA Fire is 85% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The HIGH LAVA Fire is burning in Skamania, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the HIGH LAVA Fire remains active.
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