Initial attack activity yesterday was moderate, with 257 new fires reported. Firefighters are working to suppress and contain 99 large fires across the country, including 18 new large incidents since yesterday. A total of 27,934 firefighters and support personnel are engaged in nationwide fire activity, including 576 crews, 1,715 engines, and 212 helicopters.
So far this year, 45,835 fires have burned more than 5.2 million acres across the United States, exceeding the 10-year average for both the number of fires and acres burned.
As fire activity increases across multiple geographic areas, public safety remains the highest priority. Residents and visitors in and around affected communities are urged to stay informed by monitoring official sources for the latest fire information, evacuation notices, road closures, and weather updates. If local officials issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow designated routes, delaying evacuation can place both the public and first responders at greater risk. Be prepared with a plan, know multiple evacuation routes, and avoid entering active fire areas. Staying informed and acting promptly helps protect lives and allows firefighters to focus on suppression efforts.
Weather
8/2/2026 Critical conditions will persist across the northern Rockies, northern Great Basin, and northern Plains through this evening as a strong cold front shifts east and south. Westerly winds near and east of the Divide in Montana will reach 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph amid 10-20% RH. Near and ahead of the front across most of the Great Basin to the central Rockies, expect west to southwest winds of 15-25 mph, gusts of 25-40 mph, and 4-12% RH. Despite cooler-than-normal temperatures, elevated conditions will also linger in the Inland Northwest, particularly southeast Oregon. Temperatures remain well above normal ahead of the front across the southern half of the West, Wyoming, and northern Plains, with highs near 100°F in the northern Plains and extreme temperatures of 100-120°F in the lower elevations of California, the central/southern Great Basin, and Southwest. Very low RH is expected across California, the Great Basin, northern Arizona, the Four Corners, and the West Slope. Southeast Arizona and southern New Mexico will see isolated to scattered wet thunderstorms. Meanwhile, areas east of the Mississippi River Valley, including the Southeast and most of Florida, will experience near to slightly below normal temperatures with widespread showers and thunderstorms.
