Daily Wildfire Situation Report – July 31, 2026

National Overview

The United States is currently experiencing a highly active and severe wildfire season. As of July 31, 2026, the National Preparedness Level remains at Level 5—the highest possible level on a 1-to-5 scale. This indicates that national wildland firefighting resources are fully committed and fire managers are taking emergency measures to sustain incident operations. This is the first time the nation has reached Preparedness Level 5 since late 2024.

Year-to-date, there have been 44,004 fires that have burned more than 4.8 million acres across the United States. This significantly exceeds the 10-year average for both the number of fires and total acres burned. The current fire season has been driven by early-season dry conditions, significant carryover fuels from previous years, and extreme heatwaves. Due to the heavy commitment of domestic resources, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group has mobilized international assistance, including 74 fire management specialists from Australia and New Zealand, to support ongoing suppression operations.

Significant Wildfire Situations

The Pacific Northwest and the Great Basin remain the primary epicenters of current fire activity. Over the last 72 hours, the following regional situations and fires have been the most impactful:

• Big Grass Fire (Oregon/Idaho Border): This fast-moving fire has rapidly expanded to approximately 300,000 acres. In response, Idaho Governor Brad Little has declared a fire disaster emergency and deployed the National Guard. Level 3 ("Go Now") evacuations remain in effect in Owyhee County, Idaho, and neighboring areas.
• Oregon Statewide Siege: Oregon is currently managing dozens of large, uncontained fires and has invoked its 11th conflagration of the year for the Grasshopper Fire. Nearly 24,000 residents remain under evacuation notices statewide. Notable active incidents include the Rowe Creek Complex (over 142,000 acres) and the Hay Creek Complex (over 92,000 acres).
• Kaiser Canyon Fire (Washington): This fire has expanded to 126,402 acres with only 16% containment, prompting expanded Level 3 evacuation orders.
• Bradeen Hill Fire (Washington): Currently burning near Gifford with zero containment, this fire continues to hold Level 3 evacuation orders for surrounding residents.
• Midwest and East Coast Smoke Impacts: While not an active U.S. fire, severe smoke plumes from fast-growing wildfires in Canada have drifted across the Great Lakes and the East Coast over the last few days. The heavy, pungent smoke has darkened skies, reduced visibility, and prompted air quality warnings in major metropolitan areas, including Washington D.C. and New York City.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), a massive logistical effort is underway to protect communities and natural resources.

• Personnel: A total of 26,675 firefighters and support personnel are currently engaged in nationwide fire activity.
• Resources Deployed: Equipment on the ground and in the air includes 566 hand crews, 1,599 engines, and 195 helicopters.
• Active Incidents: Firefighters are actively working to suppress and contain 87 large fires across the country, which includes 7 new large incidents reported in the last 24 hours.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical concern, heavily impacting the ability to fight current fires and increasing the risk of new ignitions.

• Extreme Heat: Dangerously hot temperatures are expanding across the southern half of California, the southern Great Basin, and the Southwest, with highs ranging from 105°F to 120°F (and locally up to 125°F). Temperatures near or above 100°F are spreading northward through northern California, the northern Great Basin, the West Slope, and Montana.
• Critically Dry Conditions: Very dry conditions are accompanying the heat. Minimum relative humidity is dropping between 3% and 15% for much of inland California, the Great Basin, southwest Wyoming, and the West Slope. The Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies are seeing humidity drop to 10–20%.
• Predictive Outlook: While July is coming to a close, NIFC predictive services warn that August historically brings continued potential for large fire activity across portions of the West. Fire managers remain focused on maintaining readiness for new starts while supporting ongoing, exhausting incidents.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Stay Informed: Monitor real-time, incident-specific details via trusted sources like InciWeb and your local county emergency management agencies.
• Heed Evacuation Orders: If you are in a Level 3 ("Go Now") zone, evacuate immediately. Do not wait. Have a "Go Bag" prepared with essential documents, medications, pet supplies, and clothing.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With resources stretched to their absolute limits, the public plays a vital role in preventing new wildfires. Before heading outdoors, check local fire restrictions. Use extreme caution with equipment and campfires, and ensure trailer chains and vehicles do not create sparks on dry pavement or brush.
• Protect Your Health from Smoke: If you are in an area impacted by drifting wildfire smoke—even thousands of miles away on the East Coast—limit prolonged outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and consider wearing an N95 mask if you must be outside to protect your lungs from fine particulate matter (PM2.5).