Here is the daily wildfire summary report for August 29, 2026.

National Overview

As of August 29, 2026, the National Preparedness Level remains at Level 5—the highest level on a 1 to 5 scale. This indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed, and active geographic areas are taking emergency measures to sustain incident operations.

The 2026 fire season continues to significantly outpace historical norms. Year-to-date, firefighters have responded to 51,774 wildfires that have burned 8,107,724 acres across the United States. This represents 126% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and a staggering 165% of the 10-year average for acres burned. Over the last 24 hours alone, 100 new fires were reported nationwide, including four new large fires.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been particularly intense across the Great Basin and Pacific Northwest. Here are the most noteworthy incidents currently impacting communities:

1. Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon): Located 10 miles south of Fossil, this massive lightning-caused fire has burned 373,927 acres. Crews have achieved 92% containment and are actively patrolling and conducting hazard tree abatement to ensure the safety of nearby roads.
2. Pine Creek Fire (Washington): Burning near Spangle, this fast-moving fire has prompted Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations and is actively threatening areas near local schools, including Liberty High School.
3. Crooked Fire (Idaho): Located 15 miles east of Idaho City, this fire is exhibiting active behavior with torching and spotting. Structures are currently threatened, and area closures are in effect.
4. Calico Fire (Nevada): Burning 20 miles southeast of McDermitt, this fire is making active uphill runs and threatening local residences.
5. Hawk Fire (Nevada): Located 5 miles north of Reno, this fire has threatened structures and prompted significant trail and road closures. Fortunately, fire behavior has recently moderated to smoldering and creeping.
6. Paddy Creek Fire (Arizona): A 668-acre lightning-caused fire burning in grass and timber on the Fort Apache Reservation. Aircraft and hand crews are actively reinforcing containment lines along Razorback Ridge.
7. Slough Canyon Fire (Utah): Burning 41 miles east of Price, this fire is exhibiting moderate behavior and threatening local structures.
8. Flint Fire (Idaho): Located 45 miles southwest of Nampa, this fire is threatening residences with moderate backing and flanking fire behavior.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently 92 active large fires being suppressed. To combat these blazes, 21,371 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents across the country.

Due to the extreme demand for resources at Preparedness Level 5, international and military support has been mobilized. This includes two 15-member incident management teams and 212 fireline personnel from Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, 240 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) are deployed to support wildland fire operations. Multiple MAFFS C-130 airtankers from the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard have also been deployed to Oregon and California to support national aerial operations.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Critical fire weather continues to challenge suppression efforts. Breezy westerly winds of 15–25 mph, with gusts of 25–35 mph, are expected across much of the Intermountain West and northern Rockies. Gusts could reach up to 45–50 mph in parts of the northern Rockies, southern Nevada, Utah, northwest Colorado, and Wyoming. Relative humidity remains critically low, ranging from 5–25% across Nevada, northern Utah, inland California, and the northern Great Basin.

Additionally, isolated to scattered mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are forecast across the central and eastern Great Basin into the central Rockies and the Southwest. While rain may offer brief relief, these storms bring the threat of lightning and strong, erratic downdraft winds that can rapidly spread existing fires. Furthermore, a new fuels and fire behavior advisory has been issued for North Central Texas due to severe, ongoing drought conditions.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With the National Preparedness Level at its highest, public cooperation is essential. Wildland fire response does not pause for weekends or holidays, and periods of increased recreation and travel significantly raise the risk of human-caused fires.

• Stay Alert to Evacuations: Always heed local emergency warnings. If your area is placed under a Level 2 (Get Set) or Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order, be prepared to leave immediately.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: Practice strict fire-safe behavior. Abide by all local fire bans, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, and ensure trailer chains are not dragging.
• Monitor Air Quality: Smoke from large fires is affecting air quality across multiple states. Vulnerable individuals should limit outdoor activities. For real-time air quality and smoke information, visit fire.airnow.gov.
• Travel with Caution: Motorists should reduce speeds and use extreme caution when traveling near fire operations. Watch for firefighting personnel and heavy equipment on area roads, and never bypass road closure signs.