National Wildfire Activity Remains Low Amid Fall Moisture and Isolated Incidents

The United States remains at National Preparedness Level 1, reflecting light activity and minimal resource demand nationwide. While cumulative fire activity and total area burned this season sit well above the ten-year national average, fewer than ten uncontained large fires remain under active suppression. Local and regional crews continue managing current incidents without requiring national incident management team mobilizations.

Significant Fires

• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Burning northwest of Stehekin in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, crews are maintaining structural protections for nearby residences, the local state airport, and a hydroelectric facility. Active road, trail, and forest area closures remain enforced while the fire creeps through heavy timber litter.
• Ridge Fire (Michigan) — Burning north of Negaunee in Marquette County, firefighters are patrolling perimeter lines and protecting threatened structures following recent precipitation. Local trail closures remain in effect as crews work to extinguish interior hot spots.
• South Tank Trail Fire (Mississippi) — The fire in the National Forests in Mississippi destroyed five structures before crews halted its spread, and it is now contained. Incident personnel are concluding perimeter patrols and wrapping up operations.
• Bee Haven 2 Fire (Florida) — Burning northwest of Lake City in Hamilton County, engine crews and a helicopter are patrolling control lines in dense southern rough. Forward progress has stopped as ground crews focus on interior mop-up.
• Redbud Fire (Oklahoma) — Located southeast of Wilburton in Latimer County, state forestry personnel have halted the forward spread of this human-caused fire. Crews continue securing control lines and dampening smoldering hardwood leaf litter.
• Cherry Plain Fire (New York) — Burning northeast of Stephentown in Rensselaer County, the fire is contained following an aggressive suppression response by state forest rangers. Personnel remain on site to monitor smoldering hardwood litter and mop up residual heat.
• Hewitt Lane Fire (South Carolina) — Burning south of Georgetown, this timber and brush fire is contained under the management of state forestry crews. Firefighters continue monitoring control lines to ensure interior hot spots do not breach perimeters.

Conditions and Outlook

No critical fire weather warnings are currently in effect across the country, though unseasonable warmth maintains elevated fire danger across the Southeast and southern Appalachians. Remnants of a tropical system will bring scattered showers to the Plains, Southwest, and central Rockies, while cooler conditions over the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest will keep fire activity subdued. Near the Sisi and Ridge fires, overcast skies, cool temperatures, and incoming rain early next week will aid ongoing suppression efforts.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Comprehensive trail, road, and area closures remain active in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest surrounding the Sisi Fire and in Marquette County near the Ridge Fire.

What Residents Should Do

• Monitor local forecasts and prepare for potential mudslides or debris flows near steep burn scars during autumn rains.
• Respect all posted trail, road, and forest closures around smoldering fire perimeters.
• Check AirNow for local air quality and InciWeb for updated forest closure notices.