"The fire’s rapid expansion to over 3,300 acres and the delay in achieving containment highlight the challenges of managing high-elevation forest fires in the Cascades, underscoring the need for continued resource allocation and monitoring."
The KING wildfire, located 7 miles northeast of Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County, Washington, was first reported on August 22, 2026. The fire grew from 459 acres on its first day to a peak of 3,335 acres by September 21, 2026, with no containment until that date when 20% containment was achieved. Throughout its progression the fire remained active, with periods of spotting, uphill runs, and later minimal creeping and smoldering behavior. The cause remains undetermined and the U.S. Forest Service is the jurisdictional agency. The incident has seen a steady increase in acreage, with containment only beginning in late September after more than a month of growth.
Official source description: 7 Miles NE from Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering
Given the fire’s minimal but persistent behavior and 20% containment, residents in the surrounding area should remain vigilant for potential flare-ups and follow any local evacuation orders or advisories.
IRWIN ID: {E70E0FBE-8DD6-4E75-BCE8-8E5B9672A3C4}
Discovered: Aug 19, 2026
Cause: Undetermined
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $9,000
Coordinates: 47.4708, -121.2559
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The KING Fire has burned 3,335 acres as of September 23, 2026.
As of the latest update, the KING Fire is 20% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.
The KING Fire is burning in Kittitas, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the KING Fire remains active.
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