The United States is tracking a significantly above-average wildfire season as of mid-June 2026, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Through June 12, a total of 32,373 fires have burned more than 2.5 million acres nationwide — substantially exceeding the 10-year averages of 23,626 fires and 1.43 million acres for the same period.

Current National Fire Activity

As of the June 12 NIFC report, 11 uncontained large fires were burning across the country, with 2,559 personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. Active fire behavior was reported on incidents across multiple geographic areas.

Current large fires by state include:

  • Florida (2): The 340 Fire (3,400 acres, 90% contained) in the National Forests in Florida southwest of Tallahassee; and the Shell Fire (2,822 acres, 70% contained) west of Deland.
  • California (2): The Putah Fire (860 acres, 80% contained) west of Winters; and the Wyly Fire (1,023 acres, 10% contained) east of Bakersfield.
  • Alaska (2): The Kopshesut Fire (1,444 acres, 70% contained) near Ambler; and the Kilolitna Fire (908 acres, 100% contained) in the Tanana Zone.
  • Colorado (1): The Bee Hive Fire (336 acres, 57% contained) northwest of Naturita.
  • North Carolina (1): The Rose Bay Canal Fire (662 acres, 34% contained) southwest of Fairfield.

In addition to these listed incidents, the NIFC Monday situation report identified significant fires burning in southeastern Washington — including the Tule, Juniper Dunes, and Twin Sisters fires — with extreme fire behavior and ongoing threats to structures.

South Fork Fire — Nebraska

One complex incident management team is committed to the South Fork Fire in Sioux County, Nebraska, which has threatened numerous residences and triggered evacuation orders. The Nebraska Emergency Management region issued evacuation notices for Fort Robinson State Park and a portion of the city of Crawford as crews worked in windy conditions and rugged terrain. The Nebraska National Guard deployed resources including a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and hand crews in support of suppression operations. The South Fork Fire began June 10 and has required over 145 personnel at peak response.

Year-to-Date Comparison

The 2026 figures in context:

  • 2026: 32,373 fires / 2,521,421 acres (through June 12)
  • 2025: 31,039 fires / 1,293,101 acres
  • 2024: 18,077 fires / 2,045,866 acres
  • 10-year average: 23,626 fires / 1,431,515 acres

The 2026 season has seen 37% more fire starts and 76% more acreage burned compared to the 10-year average through this date, underscoring the severity of current conditions.

National Preparedness Level

NIFC's National Preparedness Level — a 1-to-5 scale measuring the mobilization of national firefighting resources — was elevated to Level 2 in late spring. As fire activity increases across the West, including in the Pacific Northwest, the preparedness level may rise in coming weeks, potentially limiting the availability of out-of-region resources for new incidents. Pacific Northwest fire managers note that early-season national competition for aerial assets and hand crew resources is a significant operational concern heading into the core fire season.