Fire Activity Remains Moderate Nationally While Evacuations Ease in California

The national wildland fire preparedness level stands at Level 1, reflecting adequate local resources and minimal potential for emerging major incidents. Season-to-date wildfire activity is tracking well above the ten-year historical average for both total ignitions and ground burned. A handful of large uncontained fires remain under active suppression nationwide, though recent progress has allowed multiple communities to lift evacuation orders.

Significant Fires

• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Burning northwest of Stehekin in Chelan County, the fire continues to smolder through heavy timber, threatening nearby residences and keeping sections of the Pacific Crest Trail closed. Cooler temperatures and gusty westerly winds are expected to develop over the fire area over the next few days.
• Cooley Fire (California) — Located west of Cloverdale in Mendocino County, crews have halted forward progress following an escaped prescribed burn and transitioned to line repair and mop-up. Incoming light rain and higher humidity are forecast to further suppress remaining hot spots.
• Norte Fire (California) — The fire in Orange County is now contained after damaging several homes and prompting extensive evacuations that have since been lifted. Crews continue patrolling and extinguishing lingering interior hot spots, with local road closures remaining along Via La Mirada.
• Ridge Fire (Michigan) — Managed under the Rugged Terrain Complex in Marquette County, evacuation readiness warnings for nearby residents have been lifted following recent rainfall. The fire remains active, and the local Noquemanon Trail system stays closed while crews secure perimeter lines.
• Black River Fire (Michigan) — Burning in Gogebic County as part of the Rugged Terrain Complex, the lightning-caused fire is holding within established perimeters. Firefighters are utilizing drone thermal imaging to identify and extinguish deep, smoldering duff hot spots.
• Henderson Fire (California) — The fire on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego County is now contained after damaging a base facility and temporarily closing Interstate 5. Emergency personnel continue mop-up operations with no further threat to military infrastructure.

Conditions and Outlook

No Red Flag Warnings are currently active nationwide, though low humidity levels maintain elevated fire danger across parts of Georgia and Arkansas. Over the next 72 hours, cooler temperatures and light rain will reach Northern California to aid containment efforts, while breezy winds and cooling conditions are forecast across the Washington Cascades. Stable conditions and low fire potential are expected across the remainder of the country through late week.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Trail and backcountry closures remain in effect in Washington along the Pacific Crest Trail near Stehekin, in Michigan around Craig Lake State Park and the Noquemanon Trail system, and across Los Padres National Forest in California.

What Residents Should Do

• Stay clear of closed trails and backcountry recreation areas near active incidents to give suppression crews unobstructed access.
• Monitor local air quality advisories before outdoor activities if downwind of smoldering timber.
• Verify road opening statuses with local emergency management before traveling into recently repopulated fire zones.