The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported Friday that eleven large uncontained fires are actively burning across the country, with 2,559 personnel committed to incident response. While day-to-day activity remains at a moderate pace, the cumulative toll of the 2026 fire season is undeniable: as of June 12, wildfires have burned more than 2.5 million acres — a threshold reached by only a handful of years at this point in the calendar.

Year-to-Date Numbers Tell a Stark Story

By June 12, 2026, a total of 32,373 fires have burned 2,521,421 acres nationwide. Compare that to the 10-year average through the same date: 23,626 fires and roughly 1.43 million acres. The 2026 season is running approximately 37% above average in fire count and nearly 76% above average in total acres burned.

For context, 2025 had logged just over 1.29 million acres by the same date — meaning 2026 has already burned nearly twice as much ground at this point in the year.

Active Fires by State

As of the June 12 report, large fires are burning in the following states:

  • Nebraska (1): South Fork Fire — 23,112 acres, only 7% contained, near Crawford. Mandatory evacuations in place including Fort Robinson State Park.
  • Florida (2): The 340 Fire (3,400 acres, 75% contained) and Shell Fire (2,822 acres, 70% contained)
  • Utah (2): Fires in the northwest and eastern parts of the state
  • New Mexico (1): Bear Fire — 2,000 acres, 0% contained, Gila National Forest
  • North Carolina (1): Rose Bay Canal Fire — active in coastal timber
  • Alaska (1): Kopshesut Fire — 1,444 acres near Ambler, 50% contained
  • California (1): Putah Fire — 860 acres west of Winters, 70% contained
  • Arizona (1): Papa Fire — 118 acres east of Flagstaff, 75% contained
  • Colorado (1): Bee Hive Fire — 320 acres northwest of Naturita, 20% contained

Fire Weather Outlook

NIFC forecasters note that elevated to critical fire weather conditions are persisting across the Southwest, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountain regions — with relative humidity dropping to 5–15% and temperatures exceeding 100°F in Arizona, Nevada, and California's Central Valley. Both weather and fuels models predict increased fire danger across multiple geographic areas in the coming weeks.

In the Northern Rockies — including parts of Idaho and Montana — scattered thunderstorms are expected to bring gusty, erratic winds that can rapidly alter fire behavior. NIFC's national preparedness level stands at 2 out of 5, though it is expected to climb as summer progresses.

Vehicle Safety Reminder

NIFC is reminding the public that vehicle sparks are a leading cause of roadside wildfires. Officials urge motorists to ensure vehicles are properly maintained, tow chains are secured, and that nothing drags along pavement — especially when traveling through dry grass and brush country this summer.