National Fire News

July 29, 2025

Today, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group lowered the National Preparedness Level to 3. It’s a signal that while significant fire activity continues across multiple geographic areas, the availability of firefighting resources has improved. Over the past several days, the National Interagency Coordination Center has seen fewer requests for crews, engines, and aircraft, and most nationally shared resources are now more readily available. This easing in demand allows for greater flexibility to support fires across the country while maintaining initial attack strength.

Historically, a Preparedness Level 3 this time of year aligns with average activity for late July, but it’s a reminder that we’re still in the heart of the fire year. Firefighters remain busy, with more than 11,600 personnel assigned, including 240 crews, 494 engines, and 104 helicopters, supporting multiple large fires nationwide.

Many of these incidents are human-caused, the result of sparks, campfires, equipment, or debris burning gone wrong. So far in 2025, nearly 93% of all wildfires have been started by people. California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma top the list for human-caused fires, with more than 13,000 fires between them.

Let’s not lose momentum. As we move through the peak of summer, every safe choice matters. Behind every fire is a story of landscapes reshaping, communities preparing, and fire personnel working long hours in tough conditions. This is the time of year where every decision counts. Whether you're exploring public lands or tending to your own backyard, you have a role in shaping the outcomes of this fire year. Let’s do our part to prevent new starts and support those on the frontlines.

It takes all of us, firefighters, families, travelers, and neighbors, to reduce human-caused wildfires and protect the people and places we care about most. The 2025 National Fire Year Themes remind us that safety, responsibility, and teamwork are at the heart of every successful outcome.