The 2026 wildfire season is unfolding at a pace that has already outstripped last year and significantly exceeded historical averages. As of June 18, 2026, more than 33,349 fires have burned 2,627,549 acres across the United States — nearly double the 1.3 million acres burned during the same period in 2025, and well above the 10-year average of 1,611,629 acres. The data paints a clear picture: this is shaping up to be one of the most significant wildfire years in recent memory.

National Snapshot

  • Fires reported (Jan 1 – Jun 18, 2026): 33,349 (10-year avg: 24,685)
  • Acres burned (Jan 1 – Jun 18, 2026): 2,627,549 (10-year avg: 1,611,629)
  • Large fires currently active: 27 uncontained across 11 states
  • Personnel assigned: ~4,900 firefighters and support staff
  • National Preparedness Level: 3 (as of June 18)

Compared to 2025’s 1,335,160 acres burned through the same date, 2026 has nearly doubled the pace. The only comparable recent year in terms of early-season acreage was 2022, when 3.1 million acres had already burned by mid-June.

Where the Fires Are Burning

Fire activity is currently concentrated in six geographic areas:

  • Northwest (Washington, Oregon): Multiple large fires including the Kartar (11,679 ac), Tucannon (8,061 ac), and Roza (3,923 ac) fires in Washington, plus the Old Emigrant Fire (1,500 ac) in Oregon
  • Great Basin (Idaho, Nevada): The Kane Springs Fire (6,000 ac) and Grapevine Fire (3,949 ac) in Nevada, plus the Gold Run Fire (300 ac) in Idaho
  • Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico): The Rock Canyon Fire (4,512 ac) in Arizona and active fires in New Mexico
  • Northern Rockies: Scattered new fire starts driven by dry lightning activity
  • Florida: Persistent fires including the Rookery (3,700 ac), Shell (2,822 ac), and Coptic fires
  • Southern Plains (Nebraska, Oklahoma): The South Fork Fire in Nebraska has burned more than 39,000 acres

Why This Year is Different

Several converging factors are driving the elevated 2026 fire season:

  • Drought: Persistent drought conditions across the West have left vegetation critically dry ahead of peak fire season
  • Early snowmelt: Below-normal snowpack across many Western ranges melted weeks earlier than average, advancing the drying of fuels
  • El Niño: A developing El Niño pattern is expected to bring above-normal temperatures to the Pacific Northwest through summer and fall
  • Fuel accumulation: Years of drought-stressed and insect-damaged timber in many areas have created heavy fuel loads

Peak Season Still Ahead

Fire managers emphasize that the most dangerous period for the Pacific Northwest — historically July through September — has not yet arrived. The NIFC seasonal outlook forecasts above-normal fire potential for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho through at least August, with conditions potentially remaining elevated into September and October as drought deepens and El Niño influences persist.

AccuWeather’s long-range seasonal forecast warns of higher-than-average fire risk throughout the fall in the Northwest, as the region trends both warmer and drier than average. The message from fire managers is consistent: take preparedness actions now, before the peak of the season arrives.