Washington Wildfire Summit Seeks Ways to Reduce Risk

Nearly 200 attendees gathered in Cle Elum after a fire season that destroyed more than 900 homes across the state.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Natural Disasters

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a conifer-covered mountain ridge under a thin band of smoke against a cream sky, evoking the state's wildfire season. — The State Wildfire Caucus convened nearly 200 officials and fire-district leaders in Cle Elum on November 12 to plan ways to cut wildfire risk after a season that destroyed more than 900 Washington homes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The State Wildfire Caucus hosted a statewide wildfire summit in Cle Elum, Washington, on November 12, 2026, drawing nearly 200 people from agencies, fire districts, and policy makers. The gathering followed one of the state's worst fire seasons, which destroyed more than 900 homes.

Why it matters

The summit was convened to look for ways to reduce wildfire danger after a severe season, with the goal of improving response and preparation before future fire seasons. Its discussions cover issues that affect residents across Washington, from home protection to forest management.

The figures come from event reporting: more than 900 homes were lost statewide in the 2026 season, and nearly 200 people attended the November 12 summit. Which specific state measures will follow from the summit has not been determined.

The players

State Wildfire Caucus

A legislative caucus in Washington that organized the statewide summit on wildfire protection and policy.

Aaron Lowe

Chief of Kittitas County Fire District 7, a local fire agency that fought the Three Queens Fire during the 2026 season.

Brian Kittler

Chief Programing Officer for American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization focused on forest health.

Dan Griffey

Republican state representative for Washington's 35th legislative district who participates in state wildfire policy.

Tom Dent

Republican state representative for Washington's 13th legislative district who participates in state wildfire policy.

The details

Panels of experts addressed wildfire protection, technological investments, home hardening, forest restoration, and state policies. Speakers included Aaron Lowe, Chief of Kittitas County Fire District 7, whose crew battled the Three Queens Fire this summer, and Brian Kittler, Chief Programing Officer for American Forests.

Summer 2026: Kittitas County Fire District 7 battles the Three Queens Fire.
November 12, 2026: Statewide wildfire summit is held in Cle Elum.

Seasonal Patterns

The summit followed the 2026 fire season, which destroyed more than 900 homes and is being treated as one of Washington's worst on record. It places the state's recent losses within a broader pattern of severe seasons that prompt legislative attention to forest restoration and home hardening.

Residents in fire-prone areas can review home hardening measures and defensible space practices discussed at the summit. Staying alert to local fire district guidance during dry periods remains the most immediate step for households.

The takeaway

Preparation before fire season is a central theme of the summit, with attention on both home protection and forest restoration. Residents and officials alike are looking to act before the next season arrives.