Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: June 26, 2026
Source: Artificial Intelligence Desk, synthesizing data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the National Weather Service (NWS), and state forestry divisions.

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National Overview

The United States is currently at a National Preparedness Level 3 (on a scale of 1 to 5). This level indicates a significant shift toward needing national support and resource mobilization as wildland fire activity escalates across multiple geographic areas, particularly in the Great Basin and the Southwest.

The 2026 fire season is off to an early and historically intense start. Experts and federal agencies are increasingly referring to 2026 as a "fire year" rather than a "fire season." As of this week, more than 35,118 fires have burned over 2.9 million acres nationwide. This vastly exceeds the 10-year averages for both the number of fires and total acreage burned by this point in the year. The surge in fire activity is largely attributed to an unprecedented "snow drought" (below-average winter snowpack) combined with above-average spring and summer temperatures, which has caused landscapes to dry out much earlier than usual. Forecasters project that up to 8 million acres could burn nationwide before the year is over.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been most heavily concentrated in the Western United States. Here is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning:

1. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Currently the largest fire in the nation, burning over 61,130 acres (nearly 111 square miles) near Beaver, UT. The fire is exhibiting extreme behavior with short crown runs and long-range spotting. It remains uncontained, has severely damaged parts of the Eagle Point ski resort, and has forced mandatory evacuations.
2. Iron Fire (Utah): Located near Eureka, this fire has scorched over 37,170 acres. It has threatened critical infrastructure and forced mandatory evacuations for the entire town of Eureka and Chimney Rock Pass.
3. Pocket Fire (Arizona): Burning north of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest. The fire is threatening numerous structures, keeping Oak Creek Canyon under evacuation orders, and forcing the closure of State Route 89A.
4. McCauley Springs Fire (New Mexico): Located near Jemez Springs, this fire is exhibiting active, wind-driven runs. It has threatened numerous residences, prompting evacuations, an electric shutoff, and the closure of Highway 4.
5. Canyon Venado Fire (New Mexico): This fast-moving fire recently showed extreme behavior that briefly forced the closure of eastbound Interstate 40.
6. Kinky Creek Fire (Wyoming): Burning northwest of Cora in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The fire is making active uphill runs, threatening local residences, and forcing area closures.
7. Grapevine Fire (Nevada): Located southeast of Caliente, this fire is exhibiting active flanking and single-tree torching, threatening nearby structures and railroad infrastructure.
8. Starry Fire (Alaska): Amid a wave of critical fire danger across Interior Alaska, this fire has prompted new evacuation orders as warm temperatures and scattered thunderstorms ignite dry fuels.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the NIFC Incident Management Situation Report for June 26, there are currently 36 uncontained large fires being suppressed nationwide.

To combat these blazes, a massive logistical and human effort is underway. There are currently 6,762 personnel assigned to wildfire incidents across the country. Deployed resources include:

• 143 hand crews
• 364 fire engines
• 70 helicopters

Additionally, 5 Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) have been committed to oversee the most severe and highly complex fires, ensuring coordinated multi-agency responses.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain highly volatile. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (Extremely Critical) fire-weather outlook for parts of central and southwestern Utah, northwest Arizona, and extreme southeastern Nevada for June 26. Southwest winds of 25–35 mph are combining with critically low relative humidity (5–15%), creating a prime environment for rapid fire spread.

Red Flag Warnings span the Intermountain West, the Four Corners region, and Interior Alaska. An increase in atmospheric instability is allowing for numerous thunderstorms to develop. While some storms east of the Continental Divide may bring rain, regions west of the Divide are facing a dangerous mix of dry lightning and erratic outflow winds. Communities in these areas should be on high alert, as lightning-ignited fires (and "holdover" fires that smolder before erupting) are highly likely in the coming days.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With extreme fire behavior defying historical expectations this year, preparedness is your best defense. If you live in a fire-prone area, please take the following steps immediately:

• Create Defensible Space: Clear flammable vegetation, dead leaves, and debris from around your home, on large lots, and along roadsides.
• Maintain Access: Work with your neighbors to keep streets and roads clear so fire engines can easily maneuver and residents can evacuate swiftly if needed. Ensure local fire hydrants are visible and accessible.
• Prepare a "Go-Bag": Have essential items packed, including medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and pet supplies.
• Have an Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and establish a designated meeting place for your household.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and heed all evacuation warnings (Ready, Set, Go!) issued by local authorities without hesitation.

For more comprehensive evacuation-readiness tips and checklists, please visit Ready.gov/wildfires.