Here is the daily wildfire summary report for the United States, reflecting the current situation as of August 14, 2026.

National Overview

The United States is currently operating at National Preparedness Level 5, the highest level on the scale. This indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed, and extraordinary measures are being taken to support active geographic areas.

The 2026 fire season is proving to be exceptionally active and historic. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), firefighters have responded to more than 46,600 wildfires so far this year, which have collectively burned over 6.4 million acres. This represents 125% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and a staggering 154% of the 10-year average for acres burned. This places 2026 among the highest-acreage years in modern tracking records. The severity of the current season has been driven by prolonged extreme heat, widespread dry lightning events, and critically dry vegetation, with the Pacific Northwest and the Great Basin currently experiencing the most severe impacts.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, crews have been actively working to contain 95 uncontained large fires. Here is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning:

1. Big Grass Fire (Oregon/Idaho): The largest active fire in the United States has burned over 553,000 acres across the Oregon-Idaho border. It continues to exhibit active, wind-driven runs and is threatening numerous structures and critical infrastructure.
2. Row Creek Complex (Oregon): Burning south of Fossil, OR, this massive complex has consumed over 357,000 acres. While crews have made significant progress reaching 73% containment, it continues to threaten residences and communication infrastructure.
3. Little Giant Fire (Washington): Located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this fire is exhibiting active behavior with long-range spotting. It is threatening critical infrastructure and has forced widespread evacuations and road closures.
4. Grand Park 2 Fire (Washington): Burning inside Mount Rainier National Park, this fire has exhibited extreme behavior, forcing the evacuation of the Sunrise Visitor Center and White River Campground, as well as the closure of State Route 410.
5. Wrights Spring Fire (Oregon): Burning near Sprague River, this 8,700+ acre fire is actively crowning and running. It is threatening a critical communications tower; if lost, local 911 and cell service could be severely compromised.
6. Three Queens Fire (Washington): Burning near Snoqualmie Pass, this rapidly growing fire has prompted Level 3 "GO NOW" evacuations for surrounding communities due to uphill runs and group torching.
7. Widemouth 2 Fire (Utah): This large blaze has scorched over 106,000 acres in central Utah, prompting evacuation statuses for nearby communities like Cove Fort.
8. Spokane Complex (Washington): A cluster of fires (Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview) near populated areas of Spokane. While crews are making measurable progress on containment, high winds and Red Flag conditions threaten to reignite partially contained lines.
9. Bear Trap Fire (Minnesota): Highlighting that fire risk is not exclusive to the West, this is one of five uncontained large fires burning in Minnesota's Superior National Forest, threatening local infrastructure.
10. Modrite Fire (Washington): Burning southwest of Inchelium, this fire is threatening numerous residences and has prompted evacuations. It is notable for the deployment of active-duty military personnel to assist in suppression efforts.

Firefighting Efforts

The strain on national resources is immense. According to the NIFC, there are currently over 29,000 personnel assigned to wildfire incidents nationwide, including firefighters, support staff, and aviation crews.

Due to the extreme demand, the U.S. is utilizing international and military support. Firefighting personnel from Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico have arrived to assist crews on the ground. Additionally, 240 active-duty soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord have been deployed to the Modrite Fire in Washington. Multiple military C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) have also been activated to drop retardant.

Tragically, the firefighting community is mourning recent losses. A contract firefighter from Alaska suffered a fatal medical emergency on August 11 while assigned to the Bear Trap incident in Minnesota, and another firefighter lost their life on August 6 battling the Wrights Spring Fire in Oregon.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical hurdle for suppression efforts. The NIFC predictive outlook warns of isolated to scattered thunderstorms producing little to no wetting rainfall across the Northwest, northern California, Nevada, Idaho, and western Montana. This "dry lightning" is a primary ignition source for new fires.

Red Flag Warnings are currently active in several regions, including the Cascade Gaps and eastern Washington, where wind gusts up to 40 mph threaten to push existing fires past containment lines.

Furthermore, a new area of critical concern is developing in the Southern Plains, including Texas, Oklahoma, and the Lower Mississippi Valley. Extreme heat, dry air, and limited rainfall are producing flash-drought conditions. Combined with southerly winds gusting up to 40 mph and very low relative humidity (10-25%), these areas are facing widespread elevated-to-critical fire weather conditions that could impact energy and industrial sectors.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With resources stretched to their absolute limits, public cooperation is vital to prevent new fire starts and ensure community safety:

• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: Check local fire restrictions before heading outdoors. Avoid any activities that can create sparks (such as dragging trailer chains or parking hot vehicles on dry grass), and ensure all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving.
• Stay Informed: Monitor your local National Weather Service (NWS) office for Red Flag Warnings and fire weather watches.
• Be Ready to Evacuate: If you live in a fire-prone area, familiarize yourself with the "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation program. Have a "go-bag" packed with essential documents, medications, and supplies.
• Heed Official Orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately. Do not wait. Fire behavior in the current dry conditions is highly unpredictable and can move faster than you can escape.