Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: July 25, 2026

National Overview

As of the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) daily report, the National Preparedness Level has been elevated to Level 5—the highest possible tier on a 1-to-5 scale. This is a rare occurrence for July and indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed across the board. Fire managers are currently taking emergency measures to sustain incident operations and allocate resources to the most critical areas.

The 2026 fire season is proving to be well above average and highly destructive. So far this year, 41,779 fires have burned more than 4 million acres across the United States. For context, the 10-year average for this time of year is approximately 3 million acres. The current fire season escalated early—beginning with unusual winter fires in the Midwest—and has been driven by persistent, expanding drought, critically hot and dry conditions, and unusual wind events that have rapidly dried out vegetation nationwide.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been particularly intense in the Northwest, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountain regions, alongside uncharacteristically large fires in the Midwest. Here is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning:

1. Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon): Burning across Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties, this massive complex has grown to 192,681 acres. Critical fire weather continues to challenge containment efforts and prompt Level 3 evacuations.
2. Hay Creek Complex (Oregon): Another major incident in Oregon, currently estimated at 92,211 acres, which is significantly impacting local communities and straining regional resources.
3. Babylon Fire (Utah): Located in San Juan County, this fire has consumed 107,173 acres and is currently 62% contained.
4. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): One of the most destructive fires in Utah's history, burning 97,458 acres in Beaver County. Firefighters have made excellent progress, bringing it to 90% containment.
5. Aspen Acres Fire (Colorado): A massive blaze in Custer County that has burned 99,820 acres and remains 48% contained.
6. Ferris Fire (Colorado): Burning in Montezuma County, this fire has reached 64,881 acres and is 59% contained.
7. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Fires (Minnesota): A rare and highly impactful series of fires in the Superior National Forest, including the Bear Trap Fire (34,422 acres), Thumb Fire (15,394 acres), and Little Knife Fire (6,000 acres on the US side). Extreme fire behavior has prompted evacuations, and the fires have crossed the international border into Canada.
8. Elephant Fire (California): Burning in Plumas County, this fire has reached 13,016 acres and is 31% contained.

Firefighting Efforts

An immense mobilization of resources is currently underway to protect communities and natural resources. According to the NIFC, there are currently 23,151 firefighters and support personnel engaged in nationwide fire activity. These dedicated teams are utilizing heavy equipment and aerial support, including 513 hand crews, 1,327 engines, and 153 helicopters. Firefighters are actively working to suppress and contain 78 large fires across the country, which includes 15 new large incidents reported in just the last 24 hours.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain a critical concern. Red Flag Warnings have expanded significantly across the country due to a dangerous combination of high temperatures, zero cloud cover, low relative humidity, and wind gusts exceeding 20 mph.

• Predictive Outlook: Elevated to locally critical fire weather conditions are expected near and east of the Cascades and the northern Sierra, driven by gusty west to southwest winds and recent lightning activity. Gusty winds are also developing across the central Idaho Mountains and much of the Northern Rockies.
• Community Concerns: Showers and thunderstorms across the Southwest, Great Basin, and Northern Rockies are bringing abundant lightning to areas that have been critically hot and dry, increasing the risk of new fire starts. Communities in these regions—particularly in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and the Great Basin—should be on high alert for rapidly spreading fires and erratic fire behavior.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With national resources stretched to their absolute maximum, public cooperation is essential to prevent new fire starts and ensure community safety:

• Stay Informed and Ready: Sign up for local emergency alerts (such as ORAlert in Oregon) and monitor your local sheriff's office updates for Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set), and Level 3 (Go) evacuation notices. Always know at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: Adhere to all local burn bans. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained to prevent sparks, secure any towing chains so they do not drag on the pavement, and never park over dry vegetation.
• Campfire Safety: If you are in an area where campfires are still permitted, never leave them unattended. Ensure fires and grills are completely extinguished and cool to the touch before leaving the area or going to sleep.
• Drone Restrictions: Never fly unauthorized drones near fire areas. Aerial firefighting operations must be grounded when unauthorized drones are present, putting firefighters, homes, and lives at severe risk.