"This incident is notable for its rapid expansion—over 7,800 acres added in the first week—and the substantial resources committed, including more than 160 personnel and an estimated cost exceeding $8 million. The fire’s containment trajectory, moving from 0% to 73% over 37 days, highlights the challenges of managing large, naturally ignited fires in rugged terrain."
The PTARMIGAN wildfire, located 20 miles northwest of Mazama in Okanogan County, Washington, was discovered on July 17, 2026 and is a natural‑cause fire under USFS jurisdiction. By August 6 it had burned 17,279 acres with no containment, and over the next month the fire grew to 25,166 acres by September 3, reaching a peak of 25,166 acres. Containment remained at 0% until August 13 when it first rose to 13%, then climbed steadily to 55% by August 17 and 73% by September 3, while personnel numbers fluctuated from 162 at the start to as low as 2 by September 10. The fire’s behavior shifted from active uphill runs to moderate flanking and finally to minimal creeping and smoldering as containment improved.
Official source description: 20 Miles NW from Mazama, WA
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; Torching
The fire is currently in a minimal, creeping phase with 73% containment. Residents in the vicinity should remain vigilant for potential flare‑ups and follow any local advisories, but general wildfire safety precautions—such as staying clear of the fire perimeter and monitoring official updates—remain applicable.
IRWIN ID: {735FFADD-9F45-4188-A66B-335931316E23}
Discovered: Jul 17, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $8,242,000
Coordinates: 48.942, -120.6095
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The PTARMIGAN Fire has burned 25,166 acres as of September 10, 2026.
As of the latest update, the PTARMIGAN Fire is 73% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The PTARMIGAN Fire is burning in Okanogan, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the PTARMIGAN Fire remains active.
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