The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported Saturday that 12 large fires remain uncontained across the United States as the country moves into the peak of the 2026 wildfire season — a year that federal fire managers say is tracking well ahead of recent averages in both fire count and acreage burned.

According to the NIFC Incident Management Situation Report issued May 30, the national fire situation is at Preparedness Level 2, with initial attack activity described as light. One new large incident was reported in the past 24-hour period, while three fires reached containment. More than 5,000 firefighting personnel are currently assigned to incidents across the country, including one Complex Incident Management Team.

Year-to-Date Numbers Running High

By May 22, some 29,023 fires had burned more than 2.3 million acres nationwide since January 1 — a striking increase over recent years. For comparison, the same period in 2025 saw 26,558 fires burn roughly 1.1 million acres, and in 2024 there were 14,741 fires and 1.9 million acres through late May.

The 10-year average for fires through May 22 stands at approximately 20,055 incidents and 1.17 million acres burned. The 2026 season has already eclipsed both marks.

Notable Active Incidents

Among the most significant incidents currently tracked by InciWeb and NIFC:

  • Santa Rosa Island Fire (California): Burning in Channel Islands National Park, this blaze has grown to approximately 18,379 acres on the remote island after discovery on May 15. Evacuations are in effect in the area.
  • Seven Cabins Fire (New Mexico): In the Southwest, this fire has burned 17,116 acres with evacuations in effect for nearby communities.
  • Summit Creek Fire (Idaho): A lightning-caused fire in the Sawtooth National Forest near Oakley has grown to 1,313 acres with containment approaching 27% as of late May.
  • Jericho Creek Fire (Montana): Burning 16 miles southwest of Helena in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, this 2,068-acre fire is approximately 41% contained.

Weather Outlook Brings Mixed Signals

NIFC meteorologists note that while a low-pressure system is expected to bring rainfall to the Northern Plains, most of the Western United States will remain dry. East of the Cascades and across the Great Basin and Desert Southwest, minimum relative humidities will range from the single digits to 30%, with isolated afternoon and evening breezes likely to create locally critical fire weather conditions.

Some isolated mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are also possible across portions of California, the Northern Rockies, and parts of Utah and Colorado — raising concerns about dry lightning ignitions in areas with already-depleted moisture.

Looking Ahead

NIFC seasonal outlook maps for summer 2026 predict elevated fire risk across most of Washington state in June and July, expanding to encompass all of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho by August. Fire managers are urging early preparation and public vigilance as warm and dry conditions tighten across the region.

Resources and the latest national fire activity data are available at nifc.gov and inciweb.wildfire.gov.