The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group has lowered the National Preparedness Level to 3. This step reflects decreased wildfire activity across several geographic areas, more availability of nationally shared resources, and a forecast for cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and wetting rains that point toward season-slowing conditions.
As fall approaches, prevention remains as important as ever. Cooler nights and changing leaves don’t eliminate wildfire risk. Dry grasses, leaves, and other fuels can ignite easily this time of year. Please take time to clear debris around your home, secure trailer chains, and make sure any campfires are completely out before leaving them. Small steps now can prevent big problems later.
This week also highlights Suicide Prevention Week. Each of us has the power to make a difference by simply checking in with those around us. Ask how they are doing, share a meal, or take a moment to listen. These small connections strengthen our workforce, our communities, and the bonds that remind us no one stands alone. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Mental Health Subcommittee has resources organizations can use to ensure employees know where to turn for safe, confidential support.
Today’s numbers: 55 large fires have burned 647,338 acres in nine states, 18,762 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents nationwide, including 401 crews, 956 engines, 108 helicopters, and 6 Army medevac helicopters. Since January 1, 48,592 wildfires have burned 4,369,143 acres.
Weather
Cool temperatures and higher RH will continue across the northern Intermountain West with drier and warmer weather in the Northwest and California. Showers and thunderstorms Friday morning are possible from the Southwest near the Divide north to the northern Rockies and in the northern Plains. Thunderstorms will weaken through midday before redeveloping in the afternoon with widespread wetter showers and thunderstorms from New Mexico, north across the central and northern Rockies, spreading into the northern Plains by the evening. Thunderstorms will remain scattered in the central and northern Great Basin and the northern Rockies west of the Divide. Thunderstorms in the Southwest, Rockies and northern Plains will continue overnight. Dry and breezy conditions will occur across northern Arizona and in local areas in the eastern Great Basin, but winds will be weaker than in previous days. The drying trend will continue in the Southeast with well above normal temperatures from the Plains to the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, and near- record temperatures in the Mississippi Valley with an uptick in initial attack possible. Dry and breezy southerly winds are expected in west Texas and western Oklahoma into the central Plains. Scattered showers are expected in the northern Great Lakes ahead of a Canadian cold front. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue across the southern half of Florida and coastal Southeast.
