"This fire is notable for its rapid expansion to over 170,000 acres, the prolonged period of extreme behavior, and the substantial financial and personnel resources required to manage it."
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 USFS jurisdiction. By early August it had burned 74,284 acres with 1% containment, and grew steadily to 172,814 acres by September 21, 2026, reaching 81% containment. Fire behavior evolved from extreme and crowning in early August to moderate and then minimal, smoldering and creeping by mid-September. Personnel peaked at 2,266 on August 14 and later stabilized around 800–1,200. Estimated costs climbed from $24.5 million on August 7 to $166.7 million by September 21. The fire’s size, slow containment progress, and high resource commitment underscore its significance.
Official source description: 30 Miles NW from Leavenworth, WA
Minimal; Backing; Creeping; Smoldering
Given the current minimal, smoldering behavior and 81% containment, general wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed, avoid outdoor activities near the fire, and follow local evacuation orders if issued.
IRWIN ID: {091081ED-BD23-4610-AE4A-270F95D1711E}
Discovered: Jul 16, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $169,450,216
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 172,850 acres as of September 23, 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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