May 30, 2026 wildfire in Klickitat County driven by low fuel moisture and spring winds; threatens communities and air quality across Pacific Northwest.
🔥 OPEN LIVE 3D WILDFIRE GLOBEThe Haystack Butte wildfire ignited on May 30, 2026, in Klickitat County, Washington (45.665°N, 120.93°W), in a region of steep, semi-arid terrain east of the Cascade Range. Early reports indicate rapid fire propagation driven by low relative humidity, elevated temperatures, and persistent wind—conditions typical of late spring in the Pacific Northwest's transition zone. Communities in the immediate perimeter face evacuation orders as the fire's rate of spread suggests potential impacts on ranches, forestry infrastructure, and air quality across the region.
Klickitat County sits in a fire-prone transition zone where maritime air masses clash with continental heating patterns, creating ideal combustion conditions. The region's mixed conifer and grassland fuels dry rapidly once spring snow melts, and May temperatures often exceed 25°C (77°F)—accelerating fuel moisture loss. Upper-level wind patterns typical of late spring drive fire spread northeastward, compressing flames into a concentrated firefront.
Pandita Data integrates MODIS thermal satellite data and NOAA wind vectors to map active firefront movement in real time. The 3D simulation displays fire perimeter growth, smoke plume trajectories, and fuel moisture gradients—showing how landscape variability controls spread rates and identifying refuge zones for emergency planning.
Spring wildfires in Klickitat County typically ignite in grasslands and spread rapidly into mixed conifer stands. Smoke impacts air quality across the Columbia River basin. Terrain steepness and limited access roads complicate evacuation and firefighting logistics.
Monitor official evacuation orders through Klickitat County Emergency Management and stay aware of air quality via EPA AirNow. Use the Pandita Data wildfire simulation to visualize smoke and wind trajectories for your specific location.