Date: June 24, 2026
Subject: Daily National Wildfire Situation Report

National Overview

The National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 3 (PL3). A PL3 designation indicates that wildland fire activity is requiring a major commitment of national resources, and mobilization of resources nationwide is necessary to sustain incident management operations.

So far this year, the United States has seen 34,427 wildfires burn nearly 2.8 million acres. This level of activity is currently exceeding the 10-year average for both the number of fires and total acres burned to date. Yesterday alone, 81 new fires were reported nationwide, including three new large fires. Currently, there are 32 large, uncontained fires across the country. While the current fire season is highly active and demanding, it is important to note that the vast majority of wildfires are successfully contained within 24 hours of discovery during the initial attack stage.

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:

1. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Burning near Beaver, Utah, this fire has rapidly grown to approximately 31,000 acres and remains 0% contained. It is exhibiting extreme fire behavior due to high temperatures, strong winds, and parched fuels. Mandatory Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders are in effect for several communities, including HiLo Estates, Merchant Valley, and Eagle Point Resort.
2. South Fork Fire (Nebraska): Currently the largest fire in the country, burning nearly 39,000 acres in Sioux County. Firefighters have made excellent progress, reaching up to 90% containment with minimal fire behavior reported over the last 48 hours.
3. 4170 Tule Rd Fire (Washington): A significant incident in Yakima County that has quickly grown to 20,665 acres and is currently 0% contained.
4. Juniper Dunes Fire (Washington): Burning in Franklin County, this fire has reached 10,578 acres and is 10% contained.
5. Bear Fire (New Mexico): Located in Catron County, this fire has burned 7,769 acres and is currently 35% contained.
6. LAC-219814 (California): A new wildfire reported early this morning in Los Angeles County. While acreage and containment are still being determined, fires in this region are highly noteworthy due to the dense surrounding population and the potential for rapid urban interface impact.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently more than 6,200 personnel assigned to wildfire incidents. This includes the deployment of four complex incident management teams to handle the most severe and challenging fires. On the ground, resources such as Hotshot crews, structural protection teams, heavy equipment operators, helicopters, and air tankers are actively engaged. Additionally, agencies are strategically prepositioning firefighters and resources in areas where predictive services have identified a high potential for large fire growth, ensuring rapid initial attacks on new ignitions.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain a critical concern. Thunderstorms are developing across much of the Intermountain West as monsoonal moisture surges into the region. Initially, this activity will be dry, bringing a high risk of new lightning ignitions, particularly across the southern Great Basin, the West Slope, Arizona, and northwestern New Mexico.

Communities and firefighters should be on high alert for erratic outflow winds associated with these storms, which could produce severe local gusts over 60 mph and challenge established containment lines. Hot, dry, and unstable conditions will otherwise dominate the Intermountain West. Furthermore, heavy smoke from large fires, such as the Cottonwood Fire, is being transported by westerly winds, significantly reducing air quality and visibility in neighboring regions like Southwest Colorado.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Stay Informed and Alert: Sign up for local emergency text alerts and monitor updates from your local sheriff's office and emergency management agencies.
• Heed Evacuation Orders: If a Level 3 "Go" evacuation order is issued for your area, leave immediately. Do not wait to gather belongings if it compromises your safety.
• Protect Your Health: If you are in an area affected by wildfire smoke, limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use high-efficiency air filters if available.
• Keep Roads Clear: Avoid traveling on roads leading toward active fire zones. This ensures that emergency responders and heavy firefighting equipment can access the area safely and quickly.
• Practice Fire Prevention: With resources stretched and dry lightning threats looming, preventing human-caused fires is critical. Adhere strictly to all local burn bans, avoid parking hot vehicles over dry grass, and ensure trailer chains are not dragging.