Daily National Wildfire Summary Report – April 19, 2026

National Overview

The United States is currently at a National Preparedness Level 2 (PL 2). This indicates that while active geographic areas may require national support, resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain incident operations. Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has remained relatively light nationally, with 144 new fires reported and three new large incidents.

However, the 2026 fire season has had an unusually aggressive and early start. Year-to-date, the United States has seen over 20,915 fires burn approximately 1,748,490 acres. This is nearly double the acreage burned during the same period in 2025. The surge in early-season acreage is largely driven by persistent drought conditions, low winter snowpack in key western regions, and historically dry fuels across the Southern United States and the Great Plains.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Currently, 23 large fires are uncontained across the country, having burned a total of 42,526 acres. Most of the current fire activity is concentrated in the Southern Area and the Great Plains.

Here are the 10 most noteworthy and impactful fires over the last 72 hours, prioritized by size and regional impact:

1. Qury Fire (Custer, SD): 9,168 acres, 95% contained.
2. 139 Fire (Liberty, FL): 6,499 acres, 50% contained.
3. Sargent Fire (Polk, FL): 2,489 acres, 81% contained.
4. Lightning Roll Fire (Beaver, OK): 2,412 acres, 70% contained.
5. Purple Monster Fire (Oldham, TX): 1,911 acres, 95% contained.
6. Mill Pond Fire (Liberty, FL): 1,754 acres, 70% contained.
7. Woodbury Fire (Marion, SC): 1,750 acres, 60% contained.
8. Williams Creek Fire (Perry, AL): 1,650 acres, 40% contained.
9. STE - Alum Fire (McCreary, KY): 1,100 acres, 72% contained.
10. Schwachheim Fire (Las Animas, CO): 1,012 acres, 63% contained.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently 992 firefighting personnel assigned to uncontained large fires. All active incidents are being managed under a full suppression strategy. Because the National Preparedness Level is at a 2, there is currently a low to moderate probability that drawing down resources from non-active geographic areas will pose a risk to national firefighting capabilities.

Weather and Fire Conditions

A new Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory has been issued by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) for the Southeastern Area. Persistent dry weather and rapidly intensifying drought are resulting in historically dry fuels from the southern Appalachians into the coastal Southeast. Similar advisories remain in place for the Central, Southern, and Northern Great Plains.

Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect across several regions. A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds combine to produce an increased risk of extreme fire danger and rapid spread.

Impact on Communities and Firefighting: These weather conditions make it highly difficult for firefighters to establish containment lines, as fires can easily jump natural barriers. Communities in Red Flag Warning areas should be highly concerned about the potential for new ignitions to grow rapidly and should remain on high alert for sudden evacuation orders.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

To help protect your community and assist first responders, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Monitor Local Warnings: Stay tuned to local emergency management and the National Weather Service for Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches, and evacuation orders. If an evacuation order is issued for your area, leave immediately.
• Obey Burn Bans: Multiple counties across the South and Great Plains have enacted strict burn bans. Do not use barbecues, fire-pits, or gas/electric power tools outdoors during Red Flag Warning days.
• Prevent Sparks: Never throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. Ensure all outdoor fires (where permitted) are completely extinguished by drowning them with water and stirring until cold to the touch. Avoid parking vehicles over dry grass, as hot exhaust pipes can ignite the vegetation.
• Prepare a "Go-Bag": Residents in drought-stricken or fire-prone areas should have a bag packed with essential documents, medications, water, and supplies in case a rapid evacuation is necessary.