"This fire is notable for its rapid growth to over 170,000 acres and the substantial resources committed—over 2,200 personnel at peak and an estimated cost exceeding $140 million—highlighting the significant impact on regional fire management and public safety."
The LITTLE GIANT wildfire, located 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth in Chelan County, Washington, was discovered on July 16, 2026 and is a natural fire under the jurisdiction of the USFS. By early August it had burned 74,284 acres with 1% containment, and over the next month the fire expanded rapidly to 170,784 acres by September 1, 2026, while containment rose from 1% to 81% by September 8, 2026. Fire behavior evolved from extreme and crowning in early August to moderate and smoldering by mid-September, with personnel peaking at 2,266 on August 14 and declining to 805 by September 8. Estimated costs climbed from $24.5 million on August 7 to $141.4 million by September 8, reflecting the large scale and prolonged effort. The incident remains active but has transitioned to a more contained, smoldering state as of the latest update.
Official source description: 30 Miles NW from Leavenworth, WA
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; Torching
Given the current moderate fire behavior and 81% containment, general wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed of local advisories, avoid outdoor activities in the fire perimeter, and be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
IRWIN ID: {091081ED-BD23-4610-AE4A-270F95D1711E}
Discovered: Jul 16, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $155,768,899
Coordinates: 48.0162, -120.8466
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The LITTLE GIANT Fire has burned 172,695 acres as of September 14, 2026.
As of the latest update, the LITTLE GIANT Fire is 81% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The LITTLE GIANT Fire is burning in Chelan, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the LITTLE GIANT Fire remains active.
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