Here is the daily wildfire summary report for the United States as of Thursday, June 25, 2026.

National Overview

According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), wildfire activity is gradually escalating across multiple geographic areas. The National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 3 (PL 3). At this level, the mobilization of resources nationally is required to sustain incident management operations, as two or more geographic areas are experiencing significant wildland fire activities.

So far this year, 35,118 fires have burned more than 2.9 million acres nationwide. This current fire season is notably active, already exceeding the 10-year averages for both the number of fires and total acres burned to date. The surge in activity is driven by a combination of parched fuels, dangerous heat, and widespread lightning strikes across the Western and Interior regions.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, several major fires have required significant attention due to their size, rapid growth, and impact on local communities. Currently, there are 37 large uncontained fires nationwide. Here are the most noteworthy incidents:

1. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Currently the largest fire in the nation, burning near Beaver, Utah. It has grown to 61,137 acres. The assigned complex incident management team reports extreme fire behavior, and mandatory evacuations are in effect.
2. South Fork Fire (Nebraska): Burning in Sioux County, this fire has reached 38,914 acres and is currently 64% contained.
3. 4170 Tule Rd Fire (Washington): A rapidly expanding incident in Yakima County that has grown to 20,665 acres and remains 0% contained.
4. Juniper Dunes Fire (Washington): Burning in Franklin County, this fire has reached 10,578 acres and is 10% contained.
5. Twin Sisters Fire (Washington): Located in Walla Walla County, this fire has burned 8,262 acres and is 65% contained.
6. Bear Fire (New Mexico): Located in Catron County, this fire has burned 7,769 acres and is currently 35% contained.
7. Rookery Fire (Florida): A 3,700-acre fire in Volusia County that is currently 0% contained.
8. Shell Fire (Florida): Burning in Lake County, this fire has reached 2,822 acres and is 70% contained.
9. Kilolitna Fire (Alaska): A 1,965-acre fire burning in the Yukon-Koyukuk region, currently 0% contained.
10. Elliott Complex (Alaska): A consolidation of six active lightning-caused fires near the Elliott Highway northwest of Fairbanks. A Type 3 Incident Management Team has assumed command as fuels remain incredibly dry and receptive to burning.

Firefighting Efforts

To combat the escalating fire activity, there are currently more than 6,700 firefighting personnel assigned to incidents across the country. This robust response includes the deployment of four complex incident management teams to the most critical fires. While national resource capabilities remain stable enough to sustain current operations, the shift to Preparedness Level 3 indicates that national priorities are now actively being established to address the growing demand for shared resources, such as hotshot crews, air tankers, and helicopters.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Current Warnings: Red Flag warnings and critical fire weather conditions currently span the Intermountain West, the Four Corners region, and Interior Alaska. Dangerous heat is also building across the South and West as we head into the weekend.

Impact on Firefighting: Erratic outflow winds will likely challenge many of the established wildfires through the afternoon and evening hours, with severe local wind gusts over 60 mph possible. Hot, dry, and unstable conditions will remain the rule throughout the Intermountain West, making direct attacks on fires difficult.

Predictive Outlook: Quick-moving but isolated thunderstorms will affect the Northwest into Idaho and western Montana. New lightning ignitions are highly likely across southern portions of the Great Basin and the West Slope, extending into Arizona and northwestern New Mexico, where fast storm motions and parched fuels will align to create dangerous new fire starts.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Evacuation Readiness: Preparedness for fire emergencies is good citizenship and can give you peace of mind. If you live in a fire-prone area, familiarize yourself with "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation protocols. Have a go-bag packed with essentials, and find evacuation-readiness tips at Ready.gov. Always follow the directions of local law enforcement regarding evacuation orders.
• Air Quality and Smoke: Active fires in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and Alaska are producing significant smoke plumes. Communities downwind should monitor local air quality indices (AQI). If smoke is heavy, keep windows closed, run air purifiers if available, and limit strenuous outdoor activities.
• Fire Prevention: With fuels critically dry, human-caused fires are entirely preventable. Adhere strictly to local burn bans. If you are in an area where campfires are permitted, ensure they are kept within designated fire rings, attended at all times, and fully extinguished before abandoning. Remember to soak, stir, feel, and repeat until the ashes are cold to the touch.