The 2026 wildfire season is tracking significantly ahead of historical norms, with the National Interagency Fire Center reporting that more than 32,000 fires had burned over 2.5 million acres nationwide through mid-June — a pace that is running well above the 10-year average and higher than any comparable period in at least the last several years.

National Statistics as of June 12

According to the NIFC's National Fire News report dated June 12, 2026, year-to-date statistics showed:

  • 32,373 fires ignited nationwide in 2026 through June 12
  • 2,521,421 acres burned nationwide — more than 75% above the 10-year average of 1.43 million acres for the same period
  • The 10-year average number of fires for the same period is 23,626 — 2026 is tracking nearly 37% above that baseline
  • National Preparedness Level stood at 2 on a scale of 1 to 5 as of mid-June, though increasing fire activity is expected to push that level higher

Active Large Fires Nationwide

As of June 12, eleven uncontained large fires were burning across the country, with 2,559 personnel assigned to incidents nationally. Active fires by state included:

  • Florida: Three fires including the Shell Fire (2,822 acres, 70% contained) near DeLand, the Rookery Fire (600 acres, 0% contained) near DeLand, and the Green Gate 26 fire (535 acres, 40% contained) near Immokalee
  • California: The Putah Fire (860 acres, 85% contained) west of Winters, and the Wyly Fire (1,075 acres, 52% contained) east of Bakersfield
  • Idaho: The Pv Fire (700 acres, 50% contained) on the BLM Boise District, approximately 12 miles south of Boise
  • Colorado: The Bee Hive Fire (336 acres, 88% contained) northwest of Naturita
  • North Carolina: The Rose Bay Canal fire (662 acres, 35% contained) near Fairfield
  • Alaska: The Kopshesut Fire (1,444 acres, 80% contained) near Ambler

Nebraska Emergency Highlights Multi-Region Threat

A complex incident management team was committed to the South Fork Fire in Nebraska as of the most recent report, with the fire threatening numerous residences and evacuations in place. The deployment of a Type 1 or 2 Incident Management Team to the plains states underscores how 2026 fire activity is not confined to the traditional western fire states.

Weather Pattern Driving Elevated Risk

Fire weather forecasters warned of widespread elevated to critical conditions persisting across the Southwest, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountain areas through mid-June, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in central California valleys and portions of the Southwest. Scattered thunderstorms were moving through northern Idaho and Montana, bringing the dual threat of lightning ignitions and gusty, erratic winds.

Across the Pacific Northwest, the outlook calls for continued above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation through the remainder of June, with fire potential expected to climb as the season progresses into July and August — historically the most active months for the region.