National Wildfire Situation Report
Date: August 16, 2026
Source: National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) & Interagency Partners

National Overview

As of August 16, 2026, the National Preparedness Level remains at Level 5, the highest stage of national response. This indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed across multiple geographic areas, and there are no additional domestic resources available to draw down for national response.

The 2026 fire season has been exceptionally active and is running well ahead of historical averages. Historically, the national preparedness level averages Level 3 during the mid-summer months, but the rapid escalation of incidents pushed the nation to Level 5 early in the season. Year-to-date, firefighters have responded to 48,848 wildfires that have burned over 7.2 million acres across the United States—figures that sit significantly above the 10-year average. Currently, firefighters are working to contain 87 uncontained large fires, which have collectively burned more than 3.8 million acres. In the last 24 hours alone, 99 new fires were reported nationwide, including eight new large fires.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, the Northwest and Great Basin have remained the most active fire areas in the country. The following are among the most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning, prioritized by size, rapid growth, and threat to communities:

1. Tartar Fire (Idaho/Oregon Border): This massive lightning-caused fire has burned over 158,000 acres and is currently 89% contained. It has caused significant impacts to local agriculture, ranches, and regional air quality.
2. Modrite Fire (Washington): Located southwest of Inchelium, this timber fire has prompted a major interagency response, including the deployment of active-duty military personnel to assist with suppression efforts.
3. Rosenbaum Fire (Oregon): Firefighters have made significant progress over the weekend in difficult, craggy terrain. Their efforts allowed for the reopening of Highway 19 and the reduction of some evacuation levels in Grant County.
4. Sorrento Fire (California): A fast-moving brush fire broke out on Sunday in the highly populated Sorrento Valley area of San Diego. It quickly grew to over 70 acres, prompting an immediate aggressive response due to the high density of nearby populations and infrastructure.
5. Wrights Spring Fire (Oregon): Burning in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, this fire has made wind-driven runs and caused isolated torching, threatening numerous structures and forcing evacuations and road closures.
6. Fielder Mountain Fire (Oregon): Located near Rogue River, this fire is threatening numerous structures and critical infrastructure, requiring the coordination of a complex incident management team.
7. Coyote, Henry, and Shingle Fires (Central Oregon): Firefighters successfully held containment lines on the Shingle Fire despite high winds and low humidity over the weekend. The southern edge of the Coyote Fire has now been moved to patrol status.
8. Seven Cabins Fire (New Mexico): A complex incident management team remains committed to this large fire as crews work to establish containment lines and protect local infrastructure.

Firefighting Efforts

A massive logistical and personnel mobilization is currently underway. There are 29,548 wildland firefighters and support personnel assigned to incidents nationwide.

Because domestic resources are heavily drawn down, international and military partners have stepped in to provide critical support:

• International Support: Three 15-member incident management teams and 196 fireline personnel from Australia and New Zealand are currently deployed to support large fires in the Northwest and Great Basin. Additionally, two Large Airtankers and one Birddog aircraft from Manitoba, Canada, are operating out of Boise, Idaho.
• Military Support: The Department of Defense has mobilized 240 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord) to support wildland fire operations on the Modrite Fire in Washington.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire danger remains critically high across many regions, complicating current firefighting efforts and heightening the risk of new ignitions.

• Fire Weather & Warnings: Hot temperatures combined with low relative humidity (25-35%) and wind gusts of 20-25 mph are creating enhanced fire weather conditions, particularly across northern Texas and Oklahoma.
• Thunderstorms & Lightning: A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms is developing over the northern Rockies and extreme northern Washington. Lightning from these storms poses a severe threat for new fire starts.
• Fuel Conditions: A fuels and fire behavior advisory remains in effect for northern and eastern Nevada, central Utah, and the Pacific Northwest. The advisory warns of critically dry vegetation, standing dead trees, and drought-stressed live fuels. Above-average grass growth from earlier in the year has fully cured, creating continuous fine fuels that are highly receptive to sparks and rapid fire spread.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

While lightning is a natural cause of many summer wildfires, on average, 85% of total wildfire ignitions are human-caused and entirely preventable. As firefighters work long hours in tough conditions to protect lives and property, the public is urged to help prevent additional strain on resources:

• Practice Safe Campfire Habits: Drown campfires with water, stir the ashes, and ensure they are cool to the touch before walking away.
• Mind Your Sparks: Avoid using spark-producing equipment, like chainsaws, in dry or windy conditions. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby if equipment use is absolutely necessary.
• Be Cautious with Vehicles: Never park or drive over dry grass; the heat from a vehicle's exhaust can easily ignite vegetation.
• Dispose of Cigarettes Properly: Never throw lit cigarettes out of car windows or onto the ground.
• Stay Informed: Always check for local fire restrictions and bans before engaging in outdoor activities. If you live in an area impacted by smoke, monitor local air quality updates at fire.airnow.gov and strictly follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.