The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported 10 uncontained large fires burning across the United States as of Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with the national preparedness level holding at PL-2 on a scale of five. Initial attack activity was recorded as light, with 72 fires receiving response across the country and two new large fire starts in a 24-hour period.

Year-to-Date Numbers Alarm Fire Managers

Despite relatively light activity in recent days, the cumulative toll of the 2026 fire season is significantly outpacing historical norms. As of June 5, a total of 31,511 fires had burned nearly 2.5 million acres nationwide — compared with a 10-year average of 22,270 fires burning 1.27 million acres over the same period. That represents roughly 41 percent more fire starts and nearly double the acreage compared to the historical baseline.

For comparison, the same period in 2025 saw 29,239 fires burning 1.24 million acres — itself above average — but well behind 2026 totals.

Active Large Fires by State

As of the June 10 Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR), large fires were burning in the following states:

  • Florida (2 fires): The 340 Fire on the National Forests in Florida covered 3,400 acres at 65 percent containment; the Shell Fire, also on Florida national forests, reached 2,822 acres at 70 percent contained.
  • Idaho (1 fire): The Summit Creek Fire on the Sawtooth National Forest had grown to 1,887 acres and was 93 percent contained as of the report. A second Idaho fire, the Michaud Creek Fire on the Fort Hall Agency near Pocatello, reached 1,300 acres and is now 100 percent contained.
  • North Carolina (1 fire): The Rose Bay Canal Fire, managed by the North Carolina Forest Service, burned 455 acres at 20 percent containment.
  • Alaska (1 fire): The Kopshesut Fire, managed by the BLM Alaska Fire Service out of the Galena Zone, burned 1,447 acres at 40 percent containment near Ambler.
  • California (1 fire): The Putah Fire, a new start managed by the Sonoma-Lake Napa Unit, reached 361 acres at 15 percent containment near Winters, California.

Weather Conditions Driving Concern

Fire weather forecasters are tracking a troubling pattern across multiple regions. Elevated fire weather conditions are persisting across the Southwest and southern Great Basin due to strong winds, critically low relative humidity (5–15 percent), and very warm temperatures in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.

In the Pacific Northwest, a cold front was forecast to approach the region on Friday, bringing breezy west winds across the Columbia Basin and Sierra Front. Minimum relative humidity was expected to fall to 10–20 percent, creating elevated fire weather conditions even in typically wetter parts of the region.

Recreation Safety Reminder

With National Get Outdoors Day passing on June 8, NIFC officials reiterated that human-caused fires remain a major driver of fire starts. Debris burning that escapes control, unattended campfires, and sparks from vehicles or equipment like chainsaws and ATVs are among the top causes. The public is encouraged to visit Recreate Responsibly: Wildfire Edition for guidance on safe outdoor recreation during fire season.