Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: August 12, 2026

National Overview

As of August 12, 2026, the United States is experiencing a highly active and challenging wildfire season. The National Preparedness Level remains at Level 5—the highest stage of national response. This indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed, and geographic areas are experiencing major incidents with the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources.

Over the last 72 hours, 142 new fires were reported nationwide, including 12 new large fires. Firefighters are currently working to contain 104 uncontained large fires.

Year-to-date, the 2026 fire season is running significantly ahead of historical norms. Firefighters have responded to 46,305 wildfires that have burned more than 6.4 million acres. This represents 126% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and 156% of the 10-year average for acres burned. The Northwest remains the nation's most active fire area, accounting for 45 of the country's uncontained large fires.

Significant Wildfire Situations

The following is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires over the last 72 hours, prioritized by size, extreme behavior, and community impact:

1. Tartar Fire (Idaho/Oregon border): Having burned 158,027 acres, this massive fire is currently 89% contained. It has significantly impacted local agriculture, ranching, and air quality in the region.
2. Kaiser Canyon Fire (Washington): Burning near Nespelem, this fire has reached 138,235 acres and is currently 63% contained.
3. Little Giant Fire (Washington): Located northwest of Leavenworth, this fire has consumed 111,429 acres and is only 2% contained, continuing to exhibit active and extreme fire behavior.
4. Second Flat Fire (Oregon): Burning near Riley, this fire has reached 105,501 acres and is 88% contained.
5. Wrights Spring Fire (Oregon): At 33,970 acres with 0% containment, this fire is exhibiting extreme behavior, prompting evacuations and threatening critical infrastructure.
6. Modrite Fire: This fire is highly noteworthy due to the deployment of active-duty military personnel to assist stretched civilian suppression efforts.
7. Widemouth 2 Fire (Utah): A tragic incident occurred on this fire over the weekend when a helicopter crashed during firefighting operations, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
8. Big Grass Fire (Northwest): This fire continues to exhibit extreme fire behavior, with active evacuations in effect as it threatens homes and communities.
9. Sinlahekin Fire (Washington): Similar to Big Grass, this fire is showing extreme behavior, forcing road closures and threatening local populations.
10. Gann Fire (California): Located southeast of Valley Springs, this fire has burned 10,339 acres and is 72% contained, representing one of the larger active incidents in California.

Firefighting Efforts

To combat the intense wildfire activity, nearly 30,000 personnel (specifically over 29,800) are currently assigned to incidents nationwide. Because national resources are stretched thin at Preparedness Level 5, extraordinary interagency and international measures have been taken:

• Military Support: 240 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, have been deployed to support wildland fire operations on the Modrite Fire.
• International Assistance: Up to 250 fire management specialists from Australia and New Zealand are arriving in the U.S. this week to provide critical support to federal and state agencies under a reciprocal agreement.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain a significant concern for firefighters and communities across multiple regions. According to the National Interagency Fire Center's predictive outlook:

• The Northwest: Persistent drought, critically low fuel moistures, and a fully cured fine-fuel crop are creating above-normal potential for large fires. Drought-stressed vegetation is contributing to rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.
• Central and Southern Plains: Widespread elevated fire conditions are developing due to breezy southerly winds (gusts near 30 mph), dry conditions, and extreme heat. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 105°F–110°F from Nebraska to north Texas.
• California, Idaho, and Wyoming: Continued dry and breezy conditions are elevating fire risks. While the recent widespread extreme heat in California is slowly subsiding, temperatures remain above normal.
• Southwest: Arizona is seeing an uptick in wet thunderstorms, while New Mexico faces scattered mixed wet/dry thunderstorms, which pose a risk for new lightning-caused ignitions.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With the National Preparedness Level at its maximum and resources heavily committed, public cooperation is vital to prevent further strain on emergency responders:

• Stay Informed: Use trusted sources like InciWeb for real-time, incident-specific details, including evacuation maps and road closures.
• Heed Evacuation Orders: If you are in an area threatened by fires like Wrights Spring, Big Grass, or Sinlahekin, follow the guidance of local law enforcement and emergency management immediately. Have a "go-bag" ready with essential documents, medications, and supplies.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With dry fuels and extreme weather, a single spark can ignite a massive wildfire. Adhere to all local fire bans, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, and ensure trailer chains are not dragging.
• Protect Your Health: Widespread smoke is severely affecting air quality, particularly in the Northwest. Keep windows closed, use HEPA air purifiers if available, and limit outdoor physical activity if you are in a smoke-impacted area.