High Fire Activity and Evacuations Across the Plains and West

The national preparedness level is set at Level 4 as wildfire activity nationwide continues to track well above the ten-year average. Dozens of uncontained large wildfires remain active across multiple western and southern states, supported by thousands of personnel, military air assets, and international firefighting teams. While national resource demands have begun to ease from peak levels, severe heat and gusty winds sustain active threats to homes and infrastructure.

Significant Fires

• Railroad South Fire (Oklahoma) — Burning near Indiahoma in Comanche County, the fire destroyed multiple homes and resulted in a line-of-duty fatality during evacuation operations. Ground crews continue suppression efforts amid dangerous heat and gusty winds.
• Little Giant Fire (Washington) — Burning in steep timber terrain across Chelan County, the fire prompted extensive closures across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Active-duty military personnel have deployed to bolster ground suppression and containment efforts.
• Plaskett Fire (California) — Located southwest of Big Sur in the Los Padres National Forest, the fire continues to threaten local structures and communications infrastructure. A large multi-agency response remains committed to securing containment lines.
• Timber Fire (California) — Burning southeast of Big Sur in Monterey County, this incident continues to threaten critical regional energy infrastructure. A complex incident management team has assumed command to direct suppression operations.
• McCully Fire (Oregon) — Located northwest of Baker City in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, the fire prompted evacuations and area closures for nearby residences. Firefighters continue building control lines in challenging terrain.
• Austin Fire (Oregon) — Burning in Mt. Hood National Forest southeast of Estacada, the fire threatens nearby structures and infrastructure. A complex incident management team has taken command to coordinate defense and containment.
• Hagen Fire (Oregon) — Burning east of Pendleton in the Umatilla National Forest, the fire maintains area closures while crews protect threatened communities. Suppression is being coordinated alongside adjacent incidents across the region.
• Moose Fire (Montana) — Located southwest of Philipsburg in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the fire triggered emergency road and trail closures. Firefighters are actively defending area cabins and wooden bridge infrastructure.

Conditions and Outlook

Red Flag Warnings cover portions of southwest Montana and the Sierra Front due to gusty winds and low humidity, while extreme heat and high fire potential grip the southern Plains. The Southern Plains will face persistent triple-digit temperatures and strengthening southerly gusts through midweek, maintaining high fire danger. Across the Northwest, cool and overcast weather will provide brief moderation before warmer and drier conditions return later in the week.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Emergency forest, road, and trail closures remain in effect across portions of the Okanogan-Wenatchee, Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests due to active fire operations and structure threats.

What Residents Should Do

• Follow all evacuation notices immediately and monitor county emergency management channels for boundary changes.
• Check local air quality reports before engaging in strenuous outdoor activities.
• Adhere strictly to emergency forest closures, trail restrictions, and local burn bans.

Resources

• InciWeb Incident Information System
• National Interagency Fire Center
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
• Ready.gov Wildfire Safety