The 2026 wildfire season has established itself as the most destructive in over a decade, with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reporting more than 8.5 million acres burned across the United States as of September 18 — representing 146% of the 10-year average for the same date.
A total of 56,289 fires have ignited so far this year, compared to 50,328 fires during the same period in 2025. Year-to-date acreage already surpasses any season recorded since 2017, when 8.53 million acres burned by mid-September.
National Snapshot
As of the latest NIFC situation report, 22 large fires are actively burning across 11 states. Firefighting forces currently deployed include more than 12,000 personnel, 229 crews, 625 engines, and 70 helicopters. The states with active large fires include Idaho (5), Texas (3), Oklahoma (3), Colorado (2), Montana (2), California (2), Oregon (1), Utah (1), Washington (1), New Mexico (1), and Arkansas (1).
The national preparedness level stood at Level 3 as of early September — indicating elevated fire activity while resources have eased from the peak Level 5 deployment sustained for a record 48 consecutive days earlier this summer.
Oregon Leads the Nation in Acres Scorched
Oregon has borne a disproportionate share of the destruction. The state has seen roughly 4,000 square miles — approximately 2.56 million acres — consumed by wildfire this season, the most in recorded state history. That area is more than twice the size of the Grand Canyon.
Major Oregon incidents including the Rowe Creek Complex (373,927 acres), the Big Grass Fire, and the Hay Creek Complex drove this historic toll. Near-record heat in July and August, combined with severe drought and critically low fuel moisture, created conditions that overwhelmed initial attack across multiple fronts simultaneously.
Washington and Idaho Also Hard Hit
Active wildfires across Washington burned nearly 350,000 acres as of mid-September, according to InciWeb data. The state's wildfire preparedness level has since been lowered following recent rainfall, though large incidents remain active along the Cascade Range.
Idaho hosts five large fires on the national roster, including the Cascade Fire in the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests (7,475 acres, 70% contained) and others in active suppression. The Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County — which at its peak was Idaho's largest wildfire on record — reached full containment on September 13.
What Comes Next
Fire managers caution that September is historically one of the most dangerous months in the Pacific Northwest. As summer heat lingers east of the Cascades and fall winds develop, fire weather can rapidly deteriorate. The public is urged to remain fire-aware and report new starts immediately by calling 911.