The 2026 wildfire season is running significantly ahead of historical averages, with the National Interagency Fire Center reporting 26,568 fires burning 1,918,424 acres across the United States through May 15 — well above the 10-year average of 1,085,356 acres burned through the same date. National Preparedness Level remains at 2 (on a scale of 1–5), with 15 uncontained large fires active and roughly 2,000 personnel currently assigned to incidents nationwide.

Where the Fires Are Burning

As of the May 15 NIFC situation report, large active fires are burning in nine states:

  • Florida (3 fires) — Ongoing complex fire activity, though recent precipitation has helped moderate some conditions in the Southeast
  • New Mexico (3 fires) — The Seven Cabins Fire on the Lincoln National Forest is exhibiting wind-driven runs and spotting behavior, drawing heavy air and ground resources
  • Oklahoma (2 fires)
  • Minnesota (2 fires) — A red flag warning was issued for 54 Minnesota counties in mid-May due to critical fire weather
  • Utah (1 fire) — The Wild Horse Fire is growing in grass and brush fuels in the Great Basin
  • Wyoming (1 fire) — The Spread Creek Fire is burning near Jackson
  • Nebraska (1 fire)
  • Montana (1 fire)
  • Texas (1 fire) — The Hunggate Fire prompted evacuations and road closures

Fire Weather Driving Activity

NIFC meteorologists reported breezy west winds of 20–30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph across Montana and Wyoming and into the Upper Great Lakes, with minimum relative humidity values falling to 10–25 percent. In the Southwest, near-100°F temperatures combined with gusty winds and relative humidity in the single digits are creating extreme fire weather conditions across portions of New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle.

In the Pacific Northwest, conditions have been comparatively more moderate, with light showers reported in western Washington. However, conditions east of the Cascades — where drought is already entrenched — are expected to deteriorate as the season progresses.

May Is Wildfire Awareness Month

NIFC is using May's designation as Wildfire Awareness Month to emphasize that the majority of wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable. Simple actions can make a substantial difference:

  • Avoid parking or driving on dry grass, which can ignite from a hot catalytic converter
  • Inspect trailer chains and safety equipment before towing — dragging chains create sparks
  • Follow all local fire restrictions
  • Never leave a campfire unattended or only partially extinguished
  • Report smoke immediately by calling 911

For the Pacific Northwest, where conditions are building toward what forecasters describe as a potentially severe summer fire season, practicing prevention now — before peak fire weather arrives — is the most effective tool communities have.