"The fire’s rapid growth to nearly 3,000 acres and the substantial resources committed—over 300 personnel at peak—highlight its significant impact on the region’s forested landscape and the challenges faced by the USFS in managing a natural wildfire of this scale."
The HIGH LAVA wildfire, a natural fire in Skamania County, Washington, was first reported on 2026-08-06 with an initial size of 407 acres. Over the next month the fire expanded rapidly, peaking at 2,981 acres on 2026-09-04, while containment remained low until late August when it reached 25% and then 30% by 2026-08-30. Personnel numbers grew from 132 on 2026-08-07 to a peak of 324 on 2026-08-19, reflecting intensive suppression efforts. By early September the fire had stabilized at 2,894 acres with containment rising to 63% on 2026-09-04 and eventually 69% by 2026-09-09, indicating a gradual shift from active burning to smoldering and creeping behavior.
Official source description: 11 Miles NW from Stabler, WA
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; 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 in behavior, with smoldering and creeping activity and 69% containment. Residents should remain vigilant for potential flare-ups, keep fire safety plans updated, and follow any local advisories. General wildfire safety guidance applies.
IRWIN ID: {0B15D818-66C9-4225-B4BE-86A858CAD8E8}
Discovered: Jul 23, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $16,877,134
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 9, 2026.
As of the latest update, the HIGH LAVA Fire is 63% 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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