Daily U.S. Wildfire Situation Report
Date: May 25, 2026

National Overview

As of May 25, 2026, the National Preparedness Level remains at Level 2. This indicates that while there is notable fire activity, national resource capability remains stable enough to sustain incident operations and meet objectives in active geographic areas.

So far this year, the United States has seen 29,023 wildfires that have burned more than 2.3 million acres nationwide. The 2026 fire season is shaping up to be one of the most volatile in recent U.S. history. Acreage burned is currently running nearly 200% above the ten-year average for this time of year, driven heavily by intensifying hot and arid conditions, with a significant portion of the country experiencing drought. Furthermore, recent climate data indicates that fires are increasingly burning through the night, as warmer overnight temperatures and lower humidity rob firefighters of the traditional nighttime relief windows they rely on to suppress blazes.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, 18 uncontained large fires have been burning nationwide. The most impactful and noteworthy incidents include:

1. Santa Rosa Island Fire (Southern California): Burning in Channel Islands National Park, this fire has grown to 18,379 acres, making it the largest in the island's history. It is actively threatening rare Torrey pine groves.
2. Seven Cabins Fire (New Mexico): Located in the Lincoln National Forest, this fire has burned 17,116 acres. It is exhibiting active fire behavior with wind-driven runs and torching, prompting evacuations and threatening numerous structures.
3. Sharpe Fire (Colorado): A State of Disaster Emergency was recently declared as this fire rapidly expanded to over 28,000 acres.
4. Pineland Road and Highway 82 Fires (Georgia): These two fires have been the largest of the year so far, collectively burning over 50,000 acres in southern Georgia.
5. Bled Fire (Idaho): Burning west of Hammett, this fire is showing active running and flanking behavior, threatening local structures and energy infrastructure.
6. Cow Creek Fire (Florida): Located south of Bronson, this fire is exhibiting active running and flanking behavior, with nearby residences currently threatened.
7. Quartz Fire (Nevada): Burning southwest of Winnemucca, this fire is demonstrating moderate behavior with isolated torching, threatening local structures.
8. Sandy Fire (California): Located in Ventura County, this fire previously forced evacuations and school closures but is currently showing minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently more than 5,000 firefighting personnel assigned to incidents across the country. This includes wildland fire crews, engines, dozers, and aviation support. One Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) is currently deployed to support response efforts, specifically managing the Seven Cabins Fire in New Mexico.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical concern for both firefighters and local communities. For Monday, May 25, Red Flag Warnings are in effect across portions of northeast California, southeastern Oregon, and northwest Nevada. A low-pressure trough is moving into the region, bringing wind gusts of up to 45 mph combined with low relative humidity in the teens.

Looking at the broader predictive outlook, the driest conditions will persist across the Southwest U.S., the Great Basin, and east of the Cascades, where minimum relative humidities will drop into the single digits. While some rainfall is predicted for the Northern Plains and parts of the West, it may be accompanied by dry lightning, which poses a high risk for new fire ignitions. Lightning potential is also elevated across Texas, Oklahoma, and the Gulf Coast. Communities in Red Flag Warning areas should be highly vigilant, as these conditions mean that any new fire starts will spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Stay Informed and Ready: If you live in a fire-prone area, monitor local emergency channels and the National Weather Service for real-time Red Flag Warnings. Have a "go-bag" packed with essentials in case immediate evacuation is ordered.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: The vast majority of wildfires are human-caused and preventable. Adhere strictly to local burn bans and fire restrictions.
• Practice Vehicle Safety: Avoid parking vehicles or ATVs on dry grass, as hot exhaust pipes can ignite vegetation. Ensure trailer chains are properly secured so they do not drag on the pavement and create sparks.
• Campfire Safety: If campfires are permitted in your area, ensure they are drowned, stirred, and completely cold to the touch before you walk away.