Pacific snow and autumn rain ease fire activity across the nation

Nationwide wildfire activity stands well above the ten-year average for both fire starts and area burned, though the nation remains at National Preparedness Level 1 with minimal resource mobilization demand. Regional coordination centers continue to manage a small number of uncontained large incidents with local crews, as incoming precipitation and autumn cold fronts suppress activity across most areas.

Significant Fires

• Wild River Fire (New Hampshire) — Burning in steep terrain within the White Mountain National Forest in Coos County, the fire expanded through heavy leaf litter while crews and aircraft establish control lines. The fire poses no immediate threat to private property, though unauthorized drone activity has prompted emergency safety warnings.
• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Located northwest of Stehekin in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the fire continues to smolder under timber canopy, maintaining a Level 1 'Ready' evacuation notice for area residents. Pacific Crest Trail segments and adjacent backcountry trails remain closed as incoming rain and mountain snow help limit further growth.
• BSP Cactus Fire (Tennessee) — Burning in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Fentress County, the fire is holding within perimeter lines following recent rainfall. Trail closures remain in effect along several backcountry routes, but no structures are threatened.
• Bee Haven 2 Fire (Florida) — Crews in Hamilton County are patrolling and mopping up smoldering brush northwest of Lake City. The incident is holding within established lines with no reported threats to nearby communities.
• Coffee Pond Fire (Maine) — Firefighters have contained the fire in Casco, though residents and hunters are urged to avoid the area while crews extinguish smoldering underground hotspots. Severe drought across southern Maine continues to leave dry forest duff susceptible to rekindling.
• Redbud Fire (Oklahoma) — The fire southeast of Wilburton in Latimer County is fully contained following mop-up operations by state forestry crews. All fire lines held without incident.

Conditions and Outlook

No red flag warnings are currently in effect nationwide as incoming weather brings widespread relief. The Pacific Northwest faces heavy mountain snow and rain over the coming days that will suppress fire activity, while the Northeast transitions from overcast conditions to midweek showers and gusty winds. Across the South and central Appalachians, approaching frontal systems and thunderstorm activity are dampening fuels, though localized dry duff persists in drought-affected areas ahead of the rain.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Trail and backcountry closures remain in place across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, while high fire danger advisories are posted across southern and western Maine due to dry duff and leaf litter.

What Residents Should Do

• Never fly unauthorized drones near wildfire areas, as aerial firefighting operations will be grounded immediately.
• Honor all backcountry and trail closures around active incidents, including closed sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.
• Avoid recently burned areas and stay clear of ongoing mop-up operations extinguishing underground duff fires.