Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: May 28, 2026

Here is your national wildfire summary report, providing a high-level overview of current fire activity, firefighting efforts, and critical weather conditions across the United States over the last 72 hours.

National Overview

According to the latest National Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2 (PL 2). At this level, resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain incident operations, though active geographic areas may require national support to accomplish their incident management objectives.

So far this year, the United States has seen 29,023 wildfires that have burned more than 2.3 million acres nationwide. As we transition into the late spring and early summer months, fire activity is steadily increasing, particularly in the Southwest, Southern California, and the Southeast. The current fire season is tracking actively, driven by dry conditions and early heat in the Western and Southern U.S., which is typical for this time of year as vegetation dries out before the onset of the summer monsoons.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, 18 uncontained large fires have been actively burning nationwide. Below is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires, prioritized by size, rapid growth, and regional impact:

1. Seven Cabins Fire (New Mexico): Burning in Lincoln County, this is currently the largest active fire at 28,750 acres and is 46% contained. Evacuations have been in effect, making it a highly impactful incident for local communities.
2. Hwy 82 Fire (Georgia): Located in Brantley County, this fire has burned 22,419 acres. Firefighters have made excellent progress, reaching 90% containment.
3. Santa Rosa Island Fire (California): Burning in Channel Islands National Park (Santa Barbara County), this rare island fire has scorched 18,379 acres and is now 97% contained.
4. WaWa 2 Fire (Florida): Located in Highlands County, this fire has reached 6,275 acres and is currently 50% contained.
5. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Burning in Catron County, this fire has reached 5,716 acres and is 87% contained.
6. Kinyon Springs Fire (Idaho): A new and rapidly developing fire in Owyhee County that has quickly grown to 3,000 acres with 0% containment.
7. Quartz Fire (Nevada): Located in Pershing County, this fire has burned 2,448 acres and is 90% contained.
8. Cow Creek Fire (Florida): Burning in Levy County, this fire has reached 2,364 acres and is 85% contained.
9. Sandy Fire (California): Located in Ventura County, this fire has burned 2,183 acres and is 94% contained.
10. Dewoff Fire (Idaho): Another emerging incident in Blaine County, currently at 2,078 acres with 0% containment.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently more than 5,000 firefighting personnel assigned to active incidents. The national response includes a vast deployment of wildland fire crews, engines, helicopters, and heavy equipment. Currently, one Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) is deployed to support complex response efforts and coordinate resources on the ground. The steady commitment of resources reflects the active early-season conditions, though national resources remain adequate to meet current demands without drawing down critical reserves.

Weather and Fire Conditions

According to the NIFC predictive outlook, fire weather conditions remain a significant concern across several regions:

• Southwest and Great Basin: The driest conditions in the country are concentrated across the Southwest, the Great Basin, and east of the Cascades. Minimum relative humidities are dropping into the single digits to 30%. Combined with localized afternoon and evening breezes, these areas face critical fire weather conditions.
• Northern Rockies and California: Isolated mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are possible. Dry lightning is a major concern as it can easily ignite new fires in dry vegetation, complicating firefighting efforts.
• Texas, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast: Lightning potential is highest in these areas, extending eastward into Georgia, with severe thunderstorms possible.
• Northeast and Great Lakes: Mostly dry conditions are expected. The Northeast is experiencing relative humidities as low as 25% alongside locally breezy northwest winds from Vermont to Maine, which could support rapid fire spread if ignitions occur.

Community Concern: Communities in the Southwest and Great Basin should be particularly vigilant. The combination of critically low humidity and wind can cause existing fires to grow rapidly and new sparks to quickly become unmanageable.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

As fire season accelerates, residents in fire-prone areas should take proactive steps to protect their families and property:

• Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county's emergency management office. Monitor official interagency sources like InciWeb for real-time, incident-specific details and evacuation notices.
• Prepare Your Home: Create defensible space around your property by clearing dead leaves, debris, and flammable vegetation from your roof, gutters, and yard.
• Have an Evacuation Plan: Prepare a "go-bag" with essential documents, medications, water, and clothing. Ensure all family members know the evacuation routes and have a designated meeting place.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With dry conditions and high winds in many regions, strictly adhere to local burn bans. Avoid activities that could create sparks, such as dragging trailer chains or parking hot vehicles over dry grass.