Yesterday, 97 new fires were reported nationwide, including seven new large fires. Firefighters are currently working to contain 75 large fires, with 26,890 personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. Today marks 33 days at national preparedness level 5.
The Northwest remains the nation's most active fire area, with 34 uncontained large fires. High temperatures and wind are predicted in several geographic areas, bringing the potential for new starts and/or rapid spread.
So far in 2026, firefighters have responded to 49,418 wildfires that have burned more than 7.4 million acres across the United States, 129% of the 10-year average for fires and 171% for acres burned.
67 drone incursions have been reported near wildfires in 2026 thus far. 39 of those incidents occurred in Washington. Drones in the sky present a critical danger to aircraft with people inside; even a very small drone has the potential to damage the tail rotor on a helicopter or incapacitate an engine and cause a fatal accident. Thus, when an unknown drone is spotted near a wildfire, aerial operations are grounded until the skies are clear. That pause may only last a few minutes, but in wildfire response, every minute matters. Protect firefighter safety, ensure they’re able to do their jobs, and avoid a potential costly fine: Know before you fly, and if you're anywhere near wildfire activity, do not fly at all.
Weather
Strong high pressure will drift westward into Desert Southwest today resulting in subtle warming and drying across much of the western US. Warmer than normal temperatures are forecast for most of the West highs in the upper 80s and 90s across most of the West with readings in the 100s in the Interior Valley of California and into western Arizona. This will combine with relative humidity values in the single digits and teens. Winds will generally be less than 15 mph. The shifting ridge will also allow a cold front to drop into the Central Plains delivering numerous thunderstorms as well as easing the hot and dry conditions of late, especially across eastern Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. South of the front, across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas the oppressive heat will continue with highs forecast in the 100s and relative humidity values in the teens. South winds gusts of 20 to 25 mph in these areas will result in enhanced fire weather conditions. The other area of concern will lie over southern Florida where scattered thunderstorms over record dry fuels could result in new fire starts and gusty outflow winds.
