National Wildfire Situation Report
Date: July 11, 2026
Source: Compiled from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and trusted federal and state agencies.

National Overview

The United States is currently at a National Preparedness Level 4 (on a scale of 1 to 5). This elevated level indicates that national wildland firefighting resources are heavily committed, and national priorities are governing the deployment of all resource types across multiple active geographic areas.

As of the latest National Fire News and Incident Management Situation Reports over the last 72 hours, 38,541 fires have burned more than 3.4 million acres across the United States so far this year. Currently, firefighters are working to suppress and contain 39 large, uncontained fires across the country.

The 2026 fire season is proving to be exceptionally active. Fires have burned roughly 46% more acreage than the 10-year average (2016–2025) for this point in the season. Following a winter of below-average snowpack and an unusually warm, dry start to the summer, fire activity increased sharply in late June and early July. The Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions are currently the epicenters of this activity, accounting for the vast majority of large fires and deployed personnel.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain areas have remained the most heavily impacted. Below is a summary of the most noteworthy and impactful fires currently burning:

1. Aspen Acres Fire (Colorado): Burning in Custer and Pueblo counties, this human-caused fire has consumed nearly 91,000 acres, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in Colorado history. It is currently only 12% contained. The fire has exhibited active running and torching behavior, destroying over 200 homes and forcing thousands into mandatory evacuation.
2. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Located east of Beaver, Utah, this fire has burned 93,606 acres and remains 0% contained. It is currently one of the largest and most destructive fires in the country, threatening numerous residences and critical infrastructure.
3. Babylon Fire (Utah): Burning in the Manti-La Sal National Forest in southern Utah, this fire has surpassed 90,000 acres. It continues to threaten local infrastructure and has prompted widespread area, road, and trail closures.
4. Ferris Fire (Colorado): Located in the San Juan National Forest, this fire has grown to over 42,000 acres. It is exhibiting highly active fire behavior, including uphill runs and spotting, threatening both structures and critical energy infrastructure.
5. Gold Mountain Fire (Colorado): Burning north of Ouray in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, this fire has surpassed 25,000 acres. Active backing and group torching are complicating containment efforts.

Firefighting Efforts

A massive interagency response is underway to protect life, property, and natural resources. According to the latest NIFC Incident Management Situation Report, there are currently 12,971 firefighters and support personnel engaged in wildfire operations nationwide.

Deployed resources across the country include:

• 252 wildland fire crews
• 807 fire engines
• 126 helicopters

To bolster national aviation support, two MAFFS (Modular Airborne Firefighting System) C-130 airtankers and support personnel from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing have been deployed to assist with wildland fire operations on a national scale.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical concern for both firefighters and local communities. According to predictive outlooks, above-normal temperatures are combining with breezy southwest to west winds (12–22 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph) and critically low afternoon relative humidity (5–15%).

• Red Flag & Fire Weather Warnings: Elevated fire weather conditions are heavily impacting the southern and western Great Basin, northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, far southwestern Colorado, northeastern California, and much of the Inland Northwest.
• Dry & Windy Conditions: Hot, dry, and windy conditions are also elevating fire potential in the eastern Carolinas and northern Florida, while unseasonably dry conditions persist in northeast Minnesota.
• Impact on Firefighting: These hot, dry, and windy conditions will allow existing fires to spread faster and grow larger. Furthermore, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are forecast in several regions; while rain is welcome, gusty downdrafts and dry lightning strikes pose a severe risk for sparking new, fast-moving fires.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With the nation at Preparedness Level 4, local resources are stretched thin, making public cooperation vital.

• Stay Informed and Evacuate if Ordered: If you live in an area affected by the Aspen Acres, Cottonwood, or other large fires, please heed all mandatory evacuation orders immediately. Damage assessment teams and first responders cannot protect you if you remain in a highly active fire zone. Use InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov) for real-time, incident-specific maps and evacuation updates.
• Prevent Accidental Fires: A significant portion of this year's fires, including the devastating Aspen Acres Fire, were human-caused. Adhere to all local fire restrictions. NIFC specifically warns that target shooting is currently a common cause of accidental fire starts. If you must shoot, do so in areas completely free of dry grass or flammable materials, avoid metal targets that cause sparks, and always keep a fire extinguisher or water nearby.
• Prepare Your Home: For those in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) who are not under immediate threat, take time today to clear dry brush, leaves, and flammable materials from around your home to create defensible space.