The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that fire activity continues across several regions of the country, with 16 uncontained large fires burning as of May 15, 2026. The national preparedness level remains at 2 — the second-lowest on a scale of 1 to 5 — though forecasters warn conditions could escalate as summer approaches.

Current Fire Activity

According to NIFC, 118 new fires were reported on May 15 alone, with approximately 2,000 personnel assigned to active incidents nationwide. Ten states currently report large fire activity, with the heaviest concentration in the South and West:

  • Florida (3 large fires)
  • New Mexico (2 large fires) — including the Seven Cabins Fire on the Lincoln National Forest, which is exhibiting wind-driven runs and aggressive spotting behavior
  • Nebraska (2 large fires)
  • Arizona (1 large fire)
  • Utah (1 large fire) — the Wild Horse Fire continues growing in grass and brush fuels in the Great Basin
  • Wyoming (1 large fire) — the Spread Creek Fire near Jackson has drawn active crews

The Hunggate Fire in Texas prompted evacuations and road closures earlier this week, as crews worked to slow fire spread in dry, windy conditions.

Year-to-Date Totals Above Average

So far in 2026, 26,568 wildfires have burned more than 1.9 million acres nationwide — a figure well above the ten-year average for this point in the calendar year. The accelerated pace reflects what many fire managers have described as a year-round fire threat, driven by persistent drought, record-breaking heat events, and historically low snowpack across the Western United States.

Weather Concerns

The National Weather Service fire weather forecast for mid-May highlights several areas of elevated concern. Breezy west winds of 20–30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected across Montana and Wyoming, with minimum relative humidity falling to 10–25%. Conditions in eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle are especially concerning, with relative humidity dropping to as low as 5% and temperatures approaching 100°F.

In the Pacific Northwest, light showers continued across western Washington this week, providing some temporary relief, while forecasters note that fuels on the eastern side of the Cascades are already trending toward early-season receptivity.

May Is Wildfire Awareness Month

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and NIFC is urging the public to take preventive action before conditions worsen. Fire officials emphasize that the majority of wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable. Simple steps — including avoiding parking vehicles on dry grass, checking trailer chains for sparks, and following local fire restrictions — can make a meaningful difference.

Residents in fire-prone areas are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts, create defensible space around their homes, and develop a family evacuation plan before fire season peaks.