Multiple wildfires spark across WA Thursday after thunderstorms

Published July 16, 2026 7:24 PM PDT

Multiple wildfires sparked across Washington on Thursday after thunderstorms swept through the region.

New fires have been reported in Franklin, Okanogan and Kittitas counties as fire officials coordinate resources to prevent the flames from spreading.

Keep reading to see where new wildfires popped up in Washington on Thursday, July 16.

Kaiser Canyon Fire

The fire posing the greatest threat right now is the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County, Washington.

The fire is burning about 2,200 acres near the town of Nespelem and has triggered widespread Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations.

Kaiser Canyon Fire Evacuation Map

Kaiser Canyon Fire Evacuation Map

Here's a list of where evacuations are being ordered:

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations

  • Belvedere
  • Buffalo Lake Road
  • Rebecca Lake
  • Columbia River Road
  • Powers Street
  • Convalescent Center Boulevard

Level 2 "Get Ready" evacuations

  • Coulee Corridor from Powers Street to F Street
  • Charlie Williams Road
  • Schoolhouse Loop Road
  • Alfalfa Lane
  • Nez Perce Avenue
  • Methow Avenue
  • Chelan Street
  • Joe Moses Road
  • Colville Street
  • Wenatchi Street
  • San Poil Avenue
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 13

Buffalo Lake Road is closed from Agency to Rebecca Lake Road. State Route 155 is closed from Convalescent Boulevard to Elmer City Access Road.

The Omak Community Center (601 Billy Ives Track Road) is open for evacuees.

Cluster of wildfires in Franklin County, WA

Four different wildfires sparked in Franklin County, Washington on Thursday, burning a combined 6,000 acres.

The Lyons Ferry, Neff Jones, Devils Canyon and Wallace Walker Fires are located near the city of Kahlotus, and are threatening homes, crops, infrastructure and a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Hatchery.

Level 2 evacuations are in effect for the Wallace Walker Fire and Neff Jones Fire. The causes of each are under investigation.

Three Queens Fire

The Three Queens Fire is burning about 25 acres just east of Snoqualmie Pass, and was initially reported on Thursday at about 11 a.m.

It is burning northwest of Lake Kachess and between Three Queens and Hibox Mountain. It's burning on steep, rocky terrain, making it difficult for wildland firefighters to access the flames.

No evacuations are currently in effect.

Featured

Three Queens Fire burns amid Red Flag Warning in Kittitas County, WA

The Three Queens Fire is burning just east of Snoqualmie Pass, hours after the first Red Flag Warning of the season was issued in regions across Washington state.

What's next:

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for central, eastern and western Washington through Thursday night, and an upcoming stretch of dry weather is expected to significantly increase fire dangers across the state.

A map showing the areas where a Red Flag Warning is in effect.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of Washington State. (FOX 13 Seattle)

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The Source: Information in this story came from press releases from the Deputy State Fire Marshal, Watch Duty, Perimiter Map 

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