State Ends 2026 Wildfire Season, Seeks More Funding

Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove declared the season over and asked the Legislature to fund wildfire prevention again next year.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Safety

Flat-color editorial illustration of a scorched conifer ridgeline under a single column of pale smoke, rendered in deep red and cream against a muted sky. — Washington's 2026 wildfire season ended with nearly 1 million acres burned and about 1,000 homes destroyed, and Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove is asking lawmakers to fund prevention again. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Washington keep funding wildfire prevention even during budget shortfalls?

Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove declared the 2026 wildfire season over. More than 1,500 fires burned nearly 1 million acres across the state, destroying nearly 1,000 homes.

Why it matters

The season coincided with the fourth consecutive year of drought in Washington state, and Upthegrove said scientists see no sign it will change soon. His request for renewed funding reflects concern that wildfire risk will persist for residents across the state.

The state reported more than 1,500 fires and nearly 1 million acres burned in 2026, with more than 8,500 people on the ground at peak. Figures for the season's ultimate costs and the full extent of damage were not provided.

The players

Dave Upthegrove

Dave Upthegrove is the Washington Public Lands Commissioner, the elected official who leads the Department of Natural Resources, which manages state wildfire response and forest health programs.

Bob Ferguson

Bob Ferguson is the Governor of Washington, who called in the National Guard to support firefighting efforts during the 2026 season.

The details

Nearly 1,000 homes were destroyed from the Colville Reservation to Okanogan and Spokane, and 65,000 people in Spokane were required to evacuate. Firefighters came from 27 states and four countries, Gov. Bob Ferguson called in the National Guard, and troops from Joint Base Lewis-McChord joined the effort.

2021: Commitment made to fund wildfire prevention with $60 million.
Earlier in 2026: Legislature fulfilled the commitment with $60 million.
November 10, 2026: Upthegrove declared the wildfire season officially over.
Next year: Upthegrove seeks renewed wildfire prevention funding.

Seasonal Patterns

The 2026 season extends a fourth consecutive year of drought in Washington state, a multi-year pattern that the Legislature has responded to with $60 million in Climate Commitment Act revenue for prevention and forest health.

Residents in drought-affected parts of Washington should follow official evacuation guidance and stay alert to wildfire risk throughout the year. The state's continued funding request signals that prevention and forest health work will remain a priority.

The takeaway

Persistent drought has turned Washington's wildfire season into a multi-year challenge, and the state's ongoing investment in prevention reflects that reality. Residents should treat wildfire preparedness as a year-round responsibility.

What happens next

Upthegrove plans to ask the Legislature to fund wildfire prevention again next year, though the timing of legislative action is not specified in the extraction.