July 31, 2026
Wildfire Update | July 31, 2026 | 2 min read
A large, slow-to-contain wildfire in north-central Washington has displaced roughly 1,000 people and closed several highways. With critical fire weather expected across the region into Saturday, here's the latest.
The Kaiser Canyon Fire was discovered July 16 near Nespelem, on the Colville Reservation in Okanogan County, Washington. It's burning primarily through tall grass, averaging about 2.5 feet high, which has allowed it to spread quickly across the landscape.
As of July 31, 2026, the fire has burned 128,212 acres and is 27% contained. Growth has slowed in recent days, but containment progress has been gradual, with crews still in active suppression across much of the perimeter. The Northern Rockies National Incident Management Team is coordinating the response with the Colville Tribes and state and federal fire agencies.
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in place for several areas, including sections of Highway 155 and the Highway 21 corridor. An estimated 1,000 people have been displaced, with shelters open at Lake Roosevelt High School Gym, the Omak Community Center, and the Omak Longhouse. State Route 155 remains closed between Park City Loop Road and Haley Creek Road due to fire damage and falling-tree risk, along with closures on Cache Creek Road, Kartar Road, and Buffalo Lake Road.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect across nearly all of Oregon and Washington east of the Cascades through Saturday, August 1, due to low humidity and strong, gusty winds. Forecasters warn these conditions could increase fire activity and make containment efforts more difficult in the coming days.
Prep your home before smoke arrives
Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the fire zone. A few steps to take now:
Sources: Washington State Department of Transportation, InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, OPB.
