Wildland fire activity across the United States remains relatively light as we move toward spring, with the nation currently at Preparedness Level 1. Over the past week, 627 fires were reported nationwide, with 45 new large fires and 49 large fires contained. As of today, 9 large fires remain uncontained, burning approximately 16,132.
Most of the current activity is concentrated in the Southern Area, where warmer temperatures, dry vegetation and seasonal weather patterns often lead to increased fire activity this time of year. States including Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia and Mississippi have reported several incidents burning in grass, timber and southern rough fuels. Many of these fires have shown moderate behavior such as creeping, backing and short runs, and some have threatened nearby homes or infrastructure.
Early spring fire activity in the South is a reminder that wildfire can occur in every season across the country. While conditions and fuels vary from region to region, the work of wildland fire management continues year-round. Firefighters, dispatchers, aviation crews, land managers and support staff all play a role in preparing for the months ahead.
As we transition toward the 2026 fire year, preparedness starts with awareness. Whether you work on the fireline, support operations behind the scenes, or live in a fire-prone area, taking time now to review safety practices and stay informed helps protect communities, natural resources and the people who serve them. It truly takes all of us.
Could 2026 be your year to join the wildland fire community? Wildland fire careers combine service, teamwork and meaningful work protecting communities and public lands. Seasonal firefighter, fire support and leadership positions are now listed on USAJOBS. Search “firefighter” or “wildland fire” to see current opportunities.
Weather
A strong storm will develop on the Plains today, and strong and dry west to southwest winds will develop on the southern High Plains behind the dry line creating widespread elevated to critical conditions. Ahead of the dry line and cold front, strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop from Iowa south to North Texas with strong winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. The storm will move east through the weekend bringing widespread rain from the Lower Mississippi Valley into the Northeast, but rainfall will be more scattered in the Southeast with little rain into Florida. Another storm is expected to develop mid-next week across the Plains and move east, with another round of widespread rainfall for the eastern Plains to most of the East Coast. A period of breezy winds is likely on the southern High Plains again, but relative humidity may remain elevated and minimize the potential for elevated to critical conditions. Meanwhile, a series of fast-moving systems will move through the northern half of the West bringing periods of light valley rain and mountain snow from Sunday onward. Much of the southern half of the West will remain dry except for a period of scattered showers in the Southwest Monday. In addition, a period of strong and dry downslope winds are likely across Montana east of the Divide Sunday. Late next week, the storms may begin to track farther south and bring strong, dry winds to the Southwest and southern High Plains. Very cold temperatures are expected to continue across western Alaska most of the next week, while a storm brings widespread snow to much of south-central and eastern Interior Alaska today into tomorrow followed by a return to below normal temperatures. A cold front will bring scattered showers to Hawai’i through the weekend as it weakens, with a stronger front mid-next week possibly bringing heavier rainfall, especially to the western islands.
