The United States is experiencing an above-average wildfire year by every major metric. As of May 12, 2026, the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) reported 25,865 fires and 1.89 million acres burned nationwide — significantly above the 10-year average of approximately 1.05 million acres by the same date. Fifteen large fires are currently active across eight states, with 1,803 personnel assigned to wildfire operations.

Current Large Fire Activity

Twelve large fires are active across the country as of May 11-12, spanning eight states:

  • Florida (5 fires) — The South Canal Fire, burning 12 miles south of Mayo, is the most active at 2,200 acres and only 37% contained. It has exhibited wind-driven runs and long-range spotting, challenging crews protecting communities and infrastructure. Other active Florida fires include the Sargent Fire (2,523 acres, 81% contained), Cow Creek Fire (2,364 acres, 70% contained), Lochloosa West Fire (956 acres, 80% contained), and the N Main St 2 Fire (106 acres, 85% contained).
  • Oregon (1 fire) — Oregon is tracking one large fire in the current reporting period, as the region transitions into early fire season conditions driven by warm, dry weather.
  • New Mexico (1 fire) — The Six Mile Fire on the Cibola National Forest, burning 12 miles southeast of Magdalena, is estimated at 359 acres with 0% containment. The Hummingbird Fire on the Gila National Forest, active in recent weeks, has seen fire behavior moderated by precipitation.
  • California (1 fire) — The Canyon Fire in the California Desert District, ten miles west of Ridgecrest, has burned 2,278 acres and is 98% contained.
  • Arizona (1 fire) — The AFM Hazen Fire, burning one mile south of Buckeye, stands at 1,191 acres and is 87% contained.
  • Michigan (1 fire) — The Tomahawk Lake Fire, burning 15 miles north of Atlanta, MI, is a new ignition at 195 acres and 75% contained.
  • North Carolina (1 fire) — The Pelham 2 Fire remains active in the Southeast.
  • Oklahoma (1 fire) — One large fire continues in Oklahoma.

Southern Area Seeing Highest Activity

The Southern Area — encompassing the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and portions of the Midwest — is currently experiencing the highest level of wildfire activity in the country. Florida in particular has seen persistent fire conditions with multiple large fires burning simultaneously across the state’s scrub, pine flatwoods, and wetland ecosystems.

Year in Context

The 2026 year-to-date fire statistics are dramatically elevated compared to recent years. At the same point in 2025, 24,868 fires had burned approximately 1.02 million acres. In 2023, the same period saw only 463,000 acres burned. The 2026 total of 1.89 million acres is the highest since 2021, and fire managers note that the season’s peak months — July and August — are still months away.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, a national campaign reminding the public that nearly 85% of wildfires are human-caused and preventable. Agencies across the country are using the month to promote preparedness, fire-safe behaviors, and community resilience.