What are the names and locations of the wildfires?
As of September 8, 2026, the Three Queens Fire and King Fire are burning in Kittitas County, Washington. Firefighting operations for the Three Queens Fire extend around Kachess Lake, Cle Elum Lake, Cooper Lake, and Box Canyon Creek (1).
The King Fire is also burning in Kittitas County, where crews are monitoring for potential southward spread and maintaining existing control lines to protect nearby communities (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
The cities and areas affected by the Three Queens and King fires include:
- Baker Lane
- Box Canyon Creek
- Cle Elum Lake area
- Cooper Lake area
- Kachess Campground
- Kachess Lake area
- Kittitas County
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of September 8, 2026, the Three Queens Fire has burned 9,500.5 acres and is 12% contained. Crews are reinforcing containment lines and protecting structures near Kachess Campground and Baker Lane.
The King Fire has burned 3,191.4 acres and is 0% contained. Recent rain and high humidity have reduced fire activity, but heavy dead vegetation continues to burn and smolder.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders, Level 2 (Set) warnings, and Level 1 (Ready) notices are in effect for areas of Kittitas County due to the Three Queens Fire.
Residents in Level 3 zones must leave immediately. Those in Level 2 zones should be ready to leave at short notice, while those in Level 1 zones should prepare for possible evacuation.
Masks are available at Kittitas County Public Health, 507 N Nanum Street, Suite 102, in Ellensburg, and Upper Kittitas County District Court, 700 E 1st Street, in Cle Elum.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of September 8, 2026,
The Three Queens Fire is 12% contained.
The King Fire is 0% contained.
