Daily Wildfire Summary Report
Date: May 27, 2026

National Overview

As of late May 2026, the National Preparedness Level sits at Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5). This level indicates that while national resources are managing the current load, there is a steady and persistent level of fire activity requiring interagency resource commitments.

The 2026 fire season has been exceptionally active and is off to an aggressive start. So far this year, over 29,000 wildfires have burned more than 2.3 million acres nationwide. This acreage represents roughly 230% of the ten-year average. Experts attribute this severe early-season activity to a combination of one of the warmest winters on record, a 40-year low in Western snowpack, and early-season heatwaves. These compounding factors have effectively collapsed the traditional "fire season" calendar, turning wildfire risk into a year-round threat.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, 19 uncontained large fires have been tracked nationally. The most impactful and noteworthy incidents include:

1. Seven Cabins Fire (New Mexico): Burning in the Capitan Mountains within the Lincoln National Forest, this fire has grown to 28,750 acres and is currently 46% contained. It remains a top national priority due to threatened structures and active evacuation orders.
2. Santa Rosa Island Fire (California): Located in Channel Islands National Park, this fire has scorched 18,379 acres. While fire behavior is currently minimal, its massive size and location in a protected national park make it highly notable.
3. Meade Lake Fire (Kansas): A massive 64,698-acre fire burning in Meade County with 0% containment, highlighting the intense fire risk and dry fuels across the Great Plains.
4. Hunggate Fire (Texas): Burning in Randall County, this 34,124-acre fire is currently 95% contained but serves as a stark reminder of the severe early-season conditions in the Texas Panhandle.
5. Trigg Fire (New Mexico): A fast-moving 2,000-acre fire south of Mosquero exhibiting active, wind-driven runs. It is currently threatening local residences and has prompted immediate evacuations.
6. Zen Fire (Oregon): A new, rapidly spreading incident south of Clarno that grew to roughly 1,000 acres with 0% containment within hours of ignition.
7. Florida Regional Fires (e.g., Cow Creek & Shell Fires): Multiple fires are burning across Florida due to ongoing drought and near-record heat. These fires are threatening residences and have forced localized trail closures.
8. Dewoff Fire (Idaho): A grass and brush fire northeast of Burley exhibiting active, running fire behavior.
9. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Burning in the Gila National Forest, this fire is exhibiting minimal behavior but is contributing to the heavy fire load and area closures in the Southwest.

Firefighting Efforts

To combat these blazes, more than 5,000 wildland firefighting personnel are currently assigned to incidents across the country. Resources deployed include 42 hand crews, 267 engines, and 35 helicopters. One Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) is currently committed, specifically managing the complex response and evacuations for the Seven Cabins Fire in New Mexico.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical concern across several regions. Red Flag Warnings are currently active in areas like Delta Junction, Alaska, due to a dangerous combination of gusty southerly winds, warm temperatures, and dry fuels. Additionally, Fire Weather Watches are in effect for northern Nevada, northeast California, and southeast Oregon, where relative humidity levels are dropping into the single digits.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center's predictive outlook, the driest conditions persist across the Southwest, the Great Basin, and east of the Cascades. Furthermore, isolated mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are forecast across portions of California, the Northern Rockies, Utah, and Colorado. These storms bring the threat of dry lightning, which could easily ignite new fires in drought-stricken vegetation. Communities in the Southwest and the Southeast (particularly Florida) should remain highly vigilant, as above-normal significant fire potential is expected to continue in these regions.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: Most wildfires in the United States are preventable. Avoid parking vehicles on dry vegetation, ensure trailer chains are not dragging, and properly dispose of cigarettes.
• Campfire Safety: If you are recreating outdoors, ensure campfires are completely extinguished. Drown them with water, stir the ashes, and feel for any remaining heat before leaving.
• Heed Local Restrictions: Strictly adhere to local burn bans and fire restrictions. For example, Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in place in Zion National Park, and burn permits have been suspended in several Red Flag Warning areas.
• Stay Prepared: Residents in high-risk areas—especially in the Southwest, Great Plains, and Florida—should maintain defensible space around their homes, stay weather-aware, and have an evacuation plan ready in case conditions rapidly deteriorate.