Here is the national wildfire summary report for Thursday, August 27, 2026.

National Overview

The United States is currently experiencing an exceptionally active and severe wildland fire season. The National Preparedness Level remains at Level 5—the highest possible level—indicating that national firefighting resources are heavily committed and drawing down resources from non-active regions poses a significant challenge.

Year-to-date, firefighters have responded to 51,434 wildfires that have burned more than 7.9 million acres across the country. This represents 127% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and a staggering 164% of the 10-year average for acres burned.

Over the last 24 to 72 hours, the situation has remained highly dynamic. Yesterday alone, 113 new fires were reported nationwide, including seven new large fires. There are currently 94 large, uncontained fires burning across the U.S. To cope with the overwhelming demand for resources this season, the U.S. has integrated international support, with fire management specialists from Australia and New Zealand actively assisting on firelines and in command centers.

Significant Wildfire Situations

The Northwest and West Coast remain the most active geographic areas. Below is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires over the last 72 hours, prioritized by community impact and size:

1. Spokane Area Fires (Washington): Though relatively small in acreage (spanning roughly 10,000 acres combined), the human-caused Autumn Lane, Fairview, and Old Trail fires have been highly destructive. They have forced over 65,000 people to evacuate and damaged more than 600 structures, prompting a federal emergency declaration.
2. Timber Fire (California): Burning in the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur, this fire has grown to 19,296 acres and is 21% contained. It is California's third-largest fire of the year. Critical firefighting operations have forced the closure of a significant stretch of Highway 1, and over 660 structures remain threatened.
3. Big Grass Fire (Oregon/Idaho): Currently the largest active fire in the nation, this massive incident has burned 579,169 acres across the Jordan Valley and southern Owyhee County. It is currently 85% contained.
4. Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon): Located south of Fossil, OR, this lightning-caused fire has burned 373,927 acres. Crews have made excellent progress, reaching 93% containment over the last 72 hours as they focus on mop-up and suppression repair.
5. Crosswhite Fire (Oregon): A massive incident spanning 344,917 acres, currently 87% contained.
6. Sinlahekin Fire (Washington): Burning west of Tonasket, this fire has consumed 154,178 acres and remains highly active at only 44% containment.
7. Little Giant Fire (Washington): Burning northwest of Leavenworth, this fire has reached 135,985 acres and is only 10% contained, posing an ongoing threat to local infrastructure.
8. Kaiser Canyon Fire (Washington): Spanning 138,298 acres, firefighters have achieved 86% containment on this incident.

Firefighting Efforts

A massive mobilization of personnel is underway. As of today, there are 21,854 firefighters and support personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. Because the National Preparedness Level is at 5, interagency coordination is critical. Federal, state, and local task forces are working alongside international partners to strategically position initial attack resources while sustaining operations on existing mega-fires.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Critical fire weather is a major concern across several regions this week, severely impacting firefighting efforts and increasing the risk of new ignitions.

• Inland Northwest & Northern Great Basin: The National Weather Service has issued widespread Red Flag Warnings. Breezy west-southwest winds with gusts of 35–45 mph, combined with critically low relative humidity (5–20%), are creating elevated fire conditions. Rapid fire spread is highly likely for any new or ongoing fires in these areas.
• Southern California: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Extreme heat, humidity dropping below 10%, and strong Sundowner and Santa Ana winds (with gusts up to 60 mph) are creating dangerous conditions. Communities should be on high alert for rapid, plume-dominated fire growth.
• Thunderstorm Activity: The NIFC predictive outlook warns of scattered mixed wet and dry thunderstorms across western Montana, central/eastern Idaho, and the central Rockies. Dry lightning strikes in these areas could spark new fires in already parched fuels.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Drone Warning: There have been 73 drone incursions reported near wildfires so far in 2026. Do not fly drones near wildfires. Even a small drone can cause a fatal collision with firefighting aircraft. When a drone is spotted, all aerial firefighting operations are grounded, allowing fires to grow and putting firefighters and communities at risk.
• Evacuation Preparedness: If you live in a Red Flag Warning area, review your "Ready, Set, Go!" plans. Pack your emergency Go-bags, ensure your vehicles are fueled or charged, and clear dry brush and flammable materials from around your home to create defensible space.
• Air Quality: Heavy smoke from regional fires is causing "Very Unhealthy" air quality alerts, particularly in Washington and Oregon. Residents in affected areas should stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use indoor air filters to reduce exposure to particulate matter.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency text alerts (such as county-specific alert systems) and monitor updates from your local sheriff's office and fire department. Evacuations can happen at a moment's notice.