Daily National Wildfire Situation Report
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

National Overview

As of June 30, 2026, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has escalated the National Preparedness Level to Level 4 (PL 4) on a scale of 1 to 5. This increase is notable for this time of year—historically, the national preparedness level averages Level 2 during June—indicating that the 2026 fire season is running significantly ahead of normal. National firefighting resources are heavily committed, and the National Interagency Coordination Center is placing a heavy demand on lower-activity geographic areas to supply personnel and equipment to regions experiencing severe outbreaks.

Year-to-date, over 33,000 fires have been reported, burning more than 2.6 million acres nationwide. This total is far above the 10-year average and marks the most acreage burned by this point in the year since 2022. Currently, there are 37 uncontained large fires actively being suppressed across the country, having consumed over 413,000 acres. The surge in activity is largely driven by severe drought, a record lack of winter snowpack in several areas, and persistent extreme weather conditions.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the past 72 hours, the Mountain West has experienced an explosion of fire activity. Below is a summary of the most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning:

1. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Currently the largest wildfire in the country, burning over 93,000 acres near Beaver, Utah, at 0% containment. It has triggered a state of emergency, forced evacuations, and is threatening numerous structures and energy infrastructure.
2. Snyder/Knowles Fire (Colorado/Utah Border): Burning on Snyder Mesa, this fire has had a devastating impact. A tragic burnover event over the weekend claimed the lives of three federal firefighters and injured two others. The fire is impacting the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and communities along the Colorado River corridor.
3. Iron Fire (Utah): Located in Juab County, this fire has burned over 37,100 acres and is 23% contained. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for Eureka and Chimney Rock Pass.
4. Hastings Fire (Utah): Burning in Tooele County, this fire has consumed 26,355 acres. Crews have made significant progress, reaching 70% containment.
5. 4170 Tule Rd Fire (Washington): A major incident in Yakima that reached 24,180 acres. Firefighters have successfully achieved 95% containment.
6. Grapevine Fire (Nevada): Burning in Lincoln County, this fire has rapidly grown to 23,188 acres and remains at 0% containment.
7. Ferris Fire (Colorado): Burning across Montezuma and Dolores counties, this fire recently merged with the Doe Canyon Fire. It is actively threatening rural communities, ranches, and recreation areas near Lone Mesa State Park.
8. Babylon Fire (Utah): Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest and Bears Ears National Monument, this fire has forced the temporary closure of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
9. Gold Mountain Fire (Colorado): Burning in steep mountain terrain in Ouray County, crews are actively working to protect nearby homes and critical infrastructure along the U.S. Highway 550 corridor.
10. McCauley Springs Fire (New Mexico): Though smaller in size (~150 acres), this fire has driven immediate evacuations in Jemez, forced an electric shutoff, and closed Highway 4 due to its proximity to populated areas.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the latest NIFC reports, nearly 8,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel are currently deployed across the United States, supported by dozens of firefighting helicopters and air tankers. The Great Basin region is the epicenter of current operations, with 3,408 personnel deployed—accounting for roughly 43% of all wildland firefighters currently mobilized nationwide.

The wildland fire community is currently in mourning. Over the weekend, three federal firefighters from a specialized helitack crew lost their lives, and two others were injured, while battling the Snyder/Knowles Fire along the Colorado-Utah border. Their deaths mark the first significant fireline tragedy of the 2026 season, prompting state and federal officials to offer their unwavering support to the families and colleagues of the fallen.

Weather and Fire Conditions

The Storm Prediction Center and the National Weather Service have issued "Extremely Critical" fire-weather outlooks and Red Flag Warnings across the Intermountain West, the Four Corners region, and Interior Alaska.

The southern Intermountain West is currently plagued by dry and unusually windy conditions. Southwesterly winds gusting from 30 to 60 mph, combined with relative humidity levels plummeting to 5–15%, are creating extraordinarily rare and severe fire conditions for late June. These conditions are expected to persist across northern Arizona, eastern Utah, western Colorado, and northwestern New Mexico.

For firefighting operations, these winds and dry fuels mean extreme fire behavior, rapid spread rates, and a high potential for new large fires to emerge. Communities in these regions should be highly concerned about the potential for sudden fire growth and the rapid issuance of evacuation orders. Additionally, dangerous heat is building across the South and West, which will further stress both the environment and the firefighting crews.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news, official county emergency management channels, and trusted sources like InciWeb for real-time updates on fire perimeters and evacuation statuses.
• Heed Evacuation Orders: If your area is placed under a mandatory evacuation order, leave immediately. Do not wait. If you are in a "SET" or "READY" zone, pack a go-bag with essential documents, medications, and supplies, and ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
• Protect Firefighter Airspace: Never fly drones near a wildfire. Unauthorized drones force the immediate grounding of crucial aerial firefighting operations. Remember: "If you fly, they can't."
• Health and Safety: Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles. Check local air quality indices (AQI) and limit outdoor activities, keeping windows and doors closed if smoke is heavy in your area.
• Prevent Accidental Sparks: With national resources stretched thin, preventing human-caused fires is vital. Adhere to all local burn bans, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, and ensure trailer chains are not dragging on the pavement.