Daily Wildfire Summary Report
Date: May 2, 2026

Here is your national wildfire summary report reflecting the current situation and data from the last 72 hours.

National Overview

As we move further into spring, the 2026 fire season is already shaping up to be highly active. The National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5). At this level, active geographic areas may require national support to accomplish incident management objectives, but resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain operations.

Year-to-date, the United States has seen 24,222 fires burn 1,847,151 acres, which has already surpassed the 10-year average for acres burned by this time of year. The intensity of the current fire season is largely being driven by persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña, which have significantly reduced precipitation and exacerbated severe drought conditions across the Southeast and the Great Plains.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, the Southern United States—currently operating at a regional Preparedness Level 4—has been the epicenter of the nation's most impactful wildfire activity. There are currently 20 uncontained large fires burning nationwide.

Here is a summary of the most noteworthy active fires and regional situations over the past 72 hours, prioritized by size and impact:

1. Pineland Road Fire (Georgia): Currently the largest active incident, burning 32,569 acres in Clinch County. It is 23% contained.
2. Hwy 82 Fire & Regional Outbreak (Georgia): Burning 22,600 acres in Brantley and Atkinson counties and is 32% contained. This fire has prompted active evacuations and threatened critical infrastructure. A State of Emergency has been declared for 91 counties in Georgia due to the regional outbreak.
3. Pressey Fire (Nebraska): A significant Great Plains fire in Custer County that has burned 9,141 acres, though crews have made excellent progress, reaching 95% containment.
4. 139 Fire (Florida): Burning 6,499 acres in Liberty County; currently 75% contained.
5. HWY 41 Fire (Florida): Burning 5,000 acres in Miami-Dade County with 0% containment.
6. Railroad Fire (Florida): Burning 4,796 acres in Putnam County; currently 80% contained.
7. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Burning 3,882 acres in Catron County with 0% containment. This fire highlights how quickly conditions can shift with high winds and dry fuels in the Southwest.
8. Bauman Fire (South Dakota): Burning 3,178 acres in Jackson County; currently 70% contained.
9. Sargent Fire (Florida): Burning 2,523 acres in Baker County; currently 81% contained.
10. Cow Creek Fire (Florida): Burning 2,364 acres in Levy County; currently 50% contained.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Incident Management Situation Report, there are currently 2,486 firefighting personnel assigned to active incidents nationwide. Resources deployed across the country include two Complex Incident Management Teams, 30 hand crews, 251 fire engines, and 36 helicopters.

In preparation for the escalating summer season, the USDA issued a 2026 Wildfire Readiness Memorandum this week, confirming that the Forest Service is prepared to mobilize over 28,000 wildfire responders and 22,000 contracted resources as the core summer fire season approaches.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical concern across multiple regions. Warm and dry conditions will continue west of the Rockies. Meanwhile, conditions remain hot, dry, and breezy across central and parts of southern Florida. These historic drought conditions have elevated the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) to extreme levels in parts of the Southeast, indicating extreme soil dryness and the potential for rapid, deep-burning fire spread.

A stalled cold front is bringing heavy rainfall, scattered thunderstorms, and gusty winds across eastern New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana, which will make its way toward the southern Gulf states. While rain can aid firefighting efforts, the associated gusty winds and lightning can also trigger new starts and erratic fire behavior. Communities in the Southeast and Southwest should remain highly vigilant regarding red flag warnings and rapidly changing wind conditions.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and today, May 2, is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. Residents are urged to take the following actions:

• Create Defensible Space: Clear dry brush, dead leaves, and flammable materials from around your home and gutters to reduce your property's wildfire risk.
• Heed Local Burn Bans: Many counties in high-risk areas (such as Alachua County, FL) have implemented strict, mandatory burn bans. This prohibits campfires, bonfires, yard trash burning, and fireworks. Unauthorized burning is illegal and highly dangerous under current conditions.
• Prepare a Go-Bag: Have an emergency kit packed with essentials (medications, important documents, water, and clothes) in case you are placed under an evacuation order.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and listen to local fire and law enforcement officials. Early reporting is critical—if you see smoke or an active fire, call 911 immediately.