National Fire Situation: 18 Large Fires Burning, 2.3 Million Acres Consumed in 2026

The 2026 wildfire season is tracking well above historical averages as the nation heads into the peak summer months, with the National Interagency Fire Center reporting significantly elevated year-to-date activity across multiple regions.

Year-to-Date Statistics

Through May 22, 2026, a total of 29,023 fires have burned more than 2,349,604 acres nationwide — nearly double the 10-year average of approximately 1.17 million acres for the same period. The 2025 season through the same date saw 26,558 fires and 1.12 million acres, meaning this year is running substantially ahead of last year's pace as well.

As of the May 30 Incident Management Situation Report, 18 large fires remain uncontained across the country, with more than 5,000 personnel assigned to incidents. One Complex Incident Management Team is actively supporting response operations.

Large Fires in the Northwest

Idaho and Montana each have active large fire incidents listed on the IMSR as of the most recent reporting period, signaling that the Northern Rockies geographic area is already seeing fire activity ahead of peak season. Specific details on these incidents are being monitored by the Northern Rockies Coordination Center in Missoula.

Initial attack activity nationally is characterized as light, with approximately 70 fires reported in the most recent 24-hour period — a figure that is expected to rise sharply as temperatures climb and humidity levels drop across the West through June and July.

Notable National Incidents

The most significant fire currently burning in the United States is the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Channel Islands National Park off the California coast. Reported on May 15 when an aircraft flying over the island spotted the blaze, the fire has grown to approximately 18,379 acres on the remote island, challenging firefighters with difficult access and limited ground resources. Evacuations are in effect for portions of the Southern California and Southwest areas.

In New Mexico, the Seven Cabins Fire has burned 17,116 acres in the Southwest geographic area, where evacuation orders remain in effect for nearby communities. The Southwest continues to experience some of the driest conditions in the nation, with minimum relative humidity values dropping into the single digits in portions of the Desert Southwest.

Florida Remains Active

Florida accounts for the highest concentration of active large fires on the current IMSR, with four incidents listed, including the "340 Fire" in the National Forests in Florida burning approximately 1,600 acres southwest of Tallahassee, and the Shell Fire burning 2,822 acres. The Lochloosa West Fire in the Florida Forest Service jurisdiction has burned 956 acres and is 85 percent contained.

Looking Ahead

Fire managers at NIFC are closely watching the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies as conditions continue to deteriorate with the onset of summer. The seasonal outlook issued June 1 signals above-normal fire potential for much of the West beginning in July, with the Northern Rockies and Columbia Basin expected to see the most significant elevation in risk.