Dry weather sparks Southern fires while incoming snow dampens Northwest incidents

The nation remains at Preparedness Level 1 amid light initial attack activity, though year-to-date fire occurrences and total burned area continue to trend well above the ten-year average. Most geographic areas report minimal resource demands, with slightly elevated preparedness confined to California, the Southern Area, and the Rocky Mountain region. Active fire behavior and smoldering duff fires remain concentrated across portions of the South, Upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.

Significant Fires

• Range 47B Fire (Mississippi) — Burning in Forrest County northeast of Brooklyn on the National Forests in Mississippi, the fire has exhibited active runs and isolated torching while threatening nearby structures. Ground crews and engines continue working to secure containment lines under warm, dry conditions.
• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Located northwest of Stehekin on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this lightning-ignited blaze continues to smolder and threaten residences. Emergency road and trail closures remain enforced as incoming winter weather slows fire spread.
• Ridge Fire (Michigan) — Burning north of Negaunee in Marquette County, the fire is smoldering deeply in duff and root systems and poses a continuing threat to nearby structures. Hand crews are holding existing lines while cooling stubborn underground heat.
• Bee Haven 2 Fire (Florida) — Burning in timber litter northwest of Lake City in Hamilton County, this naturally ignited blaze is largely held by Florida Forest Service crews. Firefighters continue monitoring and patrolling perimeter lines to prevent flare-ups.
• Black River Fire (Michigan) — Located south of Wakefield in Gogebic County, this lightning-caused fire is smoldering in heavy duff. Crews are actively mopping up perimeter hotspots toward projected full containment in the coming days.
• Cooley Fire (California) — Burning west of Cloverdale in Mendocino County, this fire is now fully contained with all evacuation warnings lifted and zero structures lost. CAL FIRE personnel are utilizing uncrewed aerial systems to detect and extinguish deep subterranean hotspots.

Conditions and Outlook

No critical fire weather outlook areas or red flag warnings are currently active nationwide, though low afternoon humidity and dry air maintain elevated fire danger across the Lower Mississippi Valley. Persistent warm afternoons and easterly breezes will keep surface fuels dry in Mississippi through midweek, while incoming snowfall and freezing temperatures bring substantial relief to the Pacific Northwest.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Extensive countywide burn bans are active across widespread areas of Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas due to lingering autumn drought. In addition, emergency forest closures remain enforced around active wildfire perimeters within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

What Residents Should Do

• Adhere strictly to local burn bans across the South and refrain from all outdoor burning.
• Respect emergency trail and road closures in active fire zones across the Pacific Northwest.
• Clear dry leaves and pine needles from roofs and gutters around homes in drought-affected areas.