"This fire is notable for its rapid expansion—over 9,000 acres in just over a month—and the sustained high level of personnel and financial resources required to manage it. The continued low containment percentage highlights the challenging terrain and persistent fire behavior. "
The THREE QUEENS wildfire, located 6 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County, Washington, was first discovered on July 16, 2026. By the latest update on September 3, 2026, the fire had expanded to 9,364 acres and remained only 8% contained, with 548 personnel deployed. The blaze began as a natural fire and has been actively managed by the U.S. Forest Service, with fire behavior shifting from active, uphill and wind‑driven runs in early August to moderate and minimal activity in late August and early September. Over the course of the timeline, the fire grew rapidly from 500 acres on August 7 to a peak of 9,493 acres on September 2, while containment remained stubbornly low, rising only from 0% to 13% by August 24 and then to 8% by September 3. The incident has incurred estimated costs exceeding $42.5 million, reflecting the extensive resources committed to suppression.
Official source description: 6 Miles E from Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Minimal; Smoldering; Isolated Torching
Given the minimal fire behavior and low containment, general wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed through local authorities, avoid the fire perimeter, and be prepared for potential evacuation if conditions worsen.
IRWIN ID: {DFA477F2-305C-49CA-B82E-2AF072AB55F8}
Discovered: Jul 16, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: USFS
Est. Cost to Date: $56,800,000
Coordinates: 47.414, -121.2613
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WA.
The THREE QUEENS Fire has burned 9,527 acres as of September 15, 2026.
As of the latest update, the THREE QUEENS Fire is 20% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The THREE QUEENS Fire is burning in Kittitas, WA.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the THREE QUEENS Fire remains active.
Real-time map, acreage, and containment for every major U.S. wildfire, updated from official NIFC data.
View Live Map →