Palouse River Fire (WA)
Satellite image: NASA MODIS (infrared — active fire in orange/red, from yesterday).
Heat detections: NASA FIRMS (last 48h).
Quick facts
- Location
- Whitman County
- Jurisdiction
- Private land
Burning across private land in Whitman County, Washington, the active Palouse River Fire has expanded to 625 acres since it began on August 9, 2026. Satellites are picking up six heat detections nearby over the last 48 hours, signaling ongoing activity as the blaze continues to affect the region during the local fire season, which typically runs from June to October.
This incident unfolds within a broader national context where 2,761,076 hectares have burned so far in 2026, marking a figure that is 50% below the two-decade average for the country.
In context
This wildfire has been burning in Washington for less than a day. So far it has affected roughly 625 acres — about 2.5 km².
In the Northern Hemisphere, wildfire activity usually peaks during the warm, dry months — roughly May through October.
The bigger picture in United States
Across United States, roughly 2,761,076 hectares have burned so far in 2026 — 50% below the two-decade average. Data from Copernicus GWIS.
We'll email you if it grows, containment advances, or it ends.
No account. One-click unsubscribe. · Privacy
Community reports
Reports from people near the fire · unverified
Not official emergency information. In an emergency, contact fire services/authorities.
More fires in Washington
- Border 2 FireActive
- Wells Road FireActive
- Ptarmigan FireActive
- Old Trails FireActive
- Fairview FireActive
- Sinlahekin FireActive