Light national fire activity continues despite isolated flare-ups across the South

The nation remains at Preparedness Level 1 with minimal large fire activity and no complex incident management teams deployed. Season-to-date activity continues to run well above the ten-year historical average in both total ignitions and land burned, driven primarily by earlier summer activity. Initial attack activity is concentrated predominantly in the Southern Area, while Pacific storms bring dampening relief across the Northwest.

Significant Fires

• Hewitt Lane Fire (South Carolina) — Burning south of Georgetown in timber and rough, the fire rekindled recently and exhibited wind-driven runs and tree torching before crews reinforced perimeter firebreaks. Moderate temperatures and humid air are expected to aid suppression efforts over the coming days despite persistent northeasterly breezes.
• Ridge Fire (Michigan) — Burning northwest of Marquette, the fire pushed westward due to gusty winds and continues smoldering deep in duff, keeping sections of the Noquemanon Trail system closed. Strong winds today are expected to give way to soaking rain and sharply colder temperatures by Thursday.
• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Burning northwest of Stehekin in Chelan County, the fire continues smoldering and posing a threat to nearby residences. Cooler weather and incoming precipitation from a Pacific storm system have helped slow its forward progress.
• Bee Haven 2 Fire (Florida) — Located northwest of Lake City in Hamilton County, the fire has settled into creeping and smoldering in southern rough. Smoke mixing with morning fog has drifted over nearby travel corridors, creating hazardous driving conditions along County Road 137.
• Range 47B Fire (Mississippi) — Burning in Forrest County on Forest Service land, firefighters are actively patrolling and holding containment lines in grass and rough fuels.
• East Bailey Road Fire (Oklahoma) — Igniting southwest of Eagletown in timber where torching and wind-driven runs initially threatened structures, the fire is now fully contained. Bulldozer lines cut by state forestry crews have halted forward progress.
• Cherry Plain Fire (New York) — Burning along the Taconic Ridge across Rensselaer and Berkshire counties, the wildfire is now contained following multi-state ground and aviation suppression efforts. Crews successfully protected nearby properties with zero homes damaged.

Conditions and Outlook

No red flag warnings are currently in effect, though dry air and above-normal temperatures maintain moderate fire potential across the Mid and Lower Mississippi Valley. An incoming Pacific storm system is delivering rainfall and high-elevation snow across the Northwest and Northern Rockies, significantly dampening fire behavior. Meanwhile, a strong cold front moving through the Upper Midwest will bring gusty winds followed by soaking rain and sharply colder temperatures over the next few days.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Local burn bans remain in effect across portions of Mississippi to reduce human-caused ignitions in dry fuels, with authorities urging strict compliance following recent escaped fires.

What Residents Should Do

• Adhere strictly to all local burn bans and avoid outdoor open burning.
• Drive with caution and reduce speed where smoke and morning fog lower visibility.
• Respect trail and forest road closures near active incident perimeters.