{"id":6528,"date":"2026-05-27T20:21:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T20:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/cfd\/?p=6528"},"modified":"2026-05-27T20:21:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T20:21:27","slug":"wildfire-season-2026-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/cfd\/2026\/05\/27\/wildfire-season-2026-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildfire Season 2026: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The 2014 Chiwaukum Creek wildfire in Washington \/ Michael Stanford<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Wildfire season in the western U.S. has grown longer, more unpredictable and more devastating for people and wildlife in recent years. Smoky skies and poor air quality are increasingly the norm across the region and 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the more challenging years on record.<\/p>\n

Widespread drought has fueled an early and intense start to the season. The Washington Department of Ecology declared a statewide drought emergency for the fourth year in a row – snowpack is sitting at just 50% of normal and rainfall has been below average. Unlike some recent seasons, where dry conditions were partially offset by healthy snowpack, Western Washington has been abnormally dry from the start. Above-average fire risk is predicted across the Pacific Northwest due to warm, dry conditions and high fuel loads. The first notable fire of the season, the 125-acre Libby Creek Fire<\/a>, began in early May.<\/p>\n

Climate change is amplifying all of these risk factors<\/a>, and experts warn that fire season, which runs roughly from May through November, is only getting longer. These are real indicators that we may be in for another difficult, damaging and potentially deadly season.<\/p>\n

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Learn more about UW partnerships<\/a> to foster disaster-resilient communities.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Understanding the health risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wildfire smoke is a serious concern, though it helps to understand exactly what we’re dealing with. According to Savannah D’Evelyn<\/a>, a postdoctoral fellow with the UW Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, wildfire smoke doesn’t cause new diseases to develop. However, particulate matter in the air can worsen existing conditions like asthma and cardiovascular disease for some people. Learn more from UW experts on wildfires and smoke impacts.<\/p>\n

How fires start<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Natural fires, often sparked by lightning, play a role in ecological balance but can grow out of control quickly. Nearly nine out of ten wildfires<\/a> nationwide are human-caused, whether from discarded cigarettes, campfires that weren’t fully extinguished, vehicle sparks or fireworks. The good news is that means most wildfires can be prevented.<\/p>\n

How to stay safe this fire season<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Being prepared is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. Here are some important steps to take:<\/p>\n