The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported 18 uncontained large fires burning across the United States as of May 22, 2026, with more than 5,000 personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. The 2026 fire year has already far outpaced several recent years, with 29,023 fires burning more than 2.3 million acres from January 1 through May 22 — compared to 1.1 million acres over the same period in 2025 and a 10-year average of roughly 1.17 million acres.
NIFC has maintained a National Preparedness Level 2 as active fire conditions intensify heading into the peak of summer. One Complex Incident Management Team is currently supporting response efforts.
Notable Active Incidents
Major fire activity is centered in Southern California, where the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Channel Islands National Park has grown to 18,379 acres. That fire, first reported by aircraft on May 15 on Santa Rosa Island, is one of the more unusual large-fire events of the early season, burning on a remote island accessible only by boat or small aircraft.
In the Southwest, the Seven Cabins Fire in New Mexico has burned 17,116 acres. Evacuations are in effect for communities near that fire, as well as in Southern California.
Active fires are currently being tracked in Florida (5), California (4), Montana (1), New Mexico (1), and Idaho (1), according to the NIFC daily situation report.
Dry Conditions Across the West
Weather forecasters note that while some wetting rainfall is expected across the Northern Plains and parts of the South, conditions across the West remain predominantly dry. Minimum relative humidities in the Desert Southwest, Great Basin, and areas east of the Cascades are ranging from the single digits to 30%, with afternoon and evening breezes capable of rapidly accelerating fire spread.
The combination of dry air, low humidity, and local wind events creates conditions where a new ignition can quickly grow into a large fire before crews can establish a perimeter.
Preparing for a Difficult Summer
Fire officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution on public lands during the Memorial Day holiday weekend and throughout the summer. The majority of wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable. Simple steps — avoiding parking vehicles on dry vegetation, ensuring campfires are completely cold before leaving, following local fire restrictions, and checking equipment for dragging chains or sparking components — can significantly reduce risk.
The 2026 fire season is shaping up to be one of the more consequential in recent years. With two full months of peak fire weather still ahead, fire managers and emergency officials are urging communities throughout the West, and especially in the Pacific Northwest, to take early action and stay informed.