The Tripod Complex burned a total area of 175,184 acres (709 km2), making it one of the largest wildfires in Washington history at the time.

Prolonged hot and dry weather, combined with an outbreak of mountain pine beetles and a large number of thunderstorms made the 2006 wildfire season the most severe in Washington state history.

[3][4] The 2006 Pacific Northwest wildfire season began in late June, when an extended thunderstorm followed a three-day heat wave.

[9] Despite early containment efforts, low humidity and gusty winds allowed the Tripod Fire to grow rapidly.

[7][10] In mid-August, a battalion of 550 United States Army soldiers was deployed to fight the Tripod Complex Fire.