Yesterday, 136 new fires were reported nationwide, including eight new large fires. Firefighters are currently working to contain 76 large fires, with 24,265 personnel assigned to incidents nationwide.
The Northwest continues to have the most fire activity in the nation, with 32 fires and six fires more than 100,000 acres in size. All ten geographic areas currently list at least one large fire.
So far in 2026, firefighters have responded to 50,077 wildfires that have burned more than 7.6 million acres across the United States, 129% of the 10-year average for fires and 171% for acres burned.
Target shooting is a common cause of accidental fire starts in some areas. Always shoot in areas free of dry grass, bushes, or other flammable materials, and use targets that won't spark. Metal targets are notorious for causing sparks that grow into wildfires. Keep a fire extinguisher and/or water nearby just in case. By being cautious and responsible, you can help protect public and private lands from the dangers of wildfire.
Weather
High pressure will continue to amplify over the Western US today, bringing drying and warming conditions to the area, particularly across inland parts of the Pacific Northwest where temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Highs in the 90’s and lower 100’s are forecast across the western half of the country, possibly reaching the lower 110’s over southeast California and western Arizona. The hot temperatures will coincide with relative humidity levels in the single digits and teens in the afternoon and only poor recoveries expected at night. Conditions won’t be quite as dry over the Desert Southwest where lingering monsoonal moisture will result in scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Gusty winds are expected in the afternoon throughout the Great Basin and into southeast Oregon, as well as near thunderstorms. Farther east, the main weather concern will revolve around the unwavering heat across the Southern Plains and Southeast. High temperatures in this area will peak in the 90s to 110F with relative humidity values dropping into the mid-teens to mid 20s. No strong winds are expected in these areas; however, wind gusts of 15-25 mph will be possible over Texas by afternoon. Numerous thunderstorms are also expected across the southeast and this could produce erratic outflow winds and new fire starts over the extremely dry and receptive fuels.
