The United States is on pace for one of its most destructive wildfire years in recent memory, with 26,568 fires burning more than 1.9 million acres nationwide through May 15, 2026 — well above the 10-year average of roughly 1.08 million acres for the same period, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

The national preparedness level stands at 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 12 large uncontained fires burning across multiple states as of the most recent situation report. Nearly 2,000 firefighting personnel are currently assigned to active incidents across the country.

Where Fires Are Burning

Active large fires are currently reported in Florida, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Texas, and Montana. In New Mexico, the Seven Cabins Fire on the Lincoln National Forest has been exhibiting wind-driven runs and spotting behavior, while the Hunggate Fire in Texas prompted evacuations and road closures as crews worked to slow rapid fire spread.

In the Northern Rockies, the Spread Creek Fire near Jackson, Wyoming, ignited May 13 and burned 257 acres on the Bridger-Teton National Forest before firefighters established containment lines. The Wild Horse Fire in Utah continues to spread through grass and brush fuels amid persistently low relative humidity across the Great Basin.

Above-Average Year in Historical Context

The 2026 totals are sobering by any measure. The same period in 2025 saw 25,619 fires burn approximately 1.09 million acres — itself an above-average year. The 2026 acreage total has already surpassed 2024's year-to-date figure of 1.85 million acres.

  • 2026 (through May 15): 26,568 fires / 1,918,424 acres
  • 2025 (through May 15): 25,619 fires / 1,087,958 acres
  • 2024 (through May 15): 14,039 fires / 1,853,502 acres
  • 10-year average: 18,893 fires / 1,085,356 acres

Fire Weather Remains Dangerous Across the West

Critical fire weather conditions persist across much of the western and central United States. In the Great Basin, relative humidity has dropped to single digits and low teens, though winds moderated slightly compared to previous days. Montana and Wyoming are experiencing breezy west winds of 20–30 mph with gusts to 45 mph and relative humidity falling to 10–25%, sustaining elevated to critical fire conditions across a wide swath of the Northern Rockies.

Meanwhile, in eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, southwest winds of 15–25 mph gusting to 35 mph combined with relative humidity of 5–15% and temperatures near 100°F are creating critical fire weather conditions. For the Pacific Northwest, light showers continue across western Washington, offering brief reprieve, though forecasters warn that below-normal snowpack and drought throughout the interior region set the stage for a dangerous summer.

Wildfire Awareness Month Underway

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and the NIFC is urging the public to exercise caution throughout recreation season. Officials emphasize that the majority of wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable. Simple precautions — avoiding parking on dry grass, inspecting vehicle chains and equipment that could produce sparks, and respecting all fire restrictions — can make a meaningful difference.

Individuals who start a wildland fire on federal land can be held personally liable for suppression costs, which regularly run into the millions of dollars.