Here is the daily wildfire summary report for Friday, August 28, 2026.

National Overview

As of August 28, 2026, the National Preparedness Level remains at Level 5 (the highest level on a 1 to 5 scale), indicating 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 outpace historical norms significantly. So far this year, firefighters have responded to 51,629 wildfires that have burned more than 7.9 million acres across the United States. This represents 127% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and a staggering 163% of the 10-year average for acres burned.

In the last 24 hours alone, 153 new fires were reported nationwide, including 13 new large fires. Currently, firefighters are working to contain 97 active large fires, with the heaviest concentrations located in Washington (15), Idaho (14), Oregon (14), and Montana (11).

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, several major fires have heavily impacted communities and natural resources across the West. Here are the most noteworthy incidents:

1. Hawk Fire (Nevada): Burning northwest of Reno, this human-caused fire has scorched 15,085 acres. While crews have pushed containment to 95%, the impact has been devastating. The blaze destroyed 47 homes and one commercial structure, prompting Gov. Joe Lombardo to request a presidential emergency declaration to unlock federal resources for recovery.
2. Big Grass Fire (Oregon/Idaho Border): The largest of several fires east of Burns, Oregon, this massive blaze has burned nearly 580,000 acres. Fortunately, firefighters have achieved 93% containment.
3. Hagen Fire (Eastern Oregon): Located in the Blue Mountains in Umatilla County, this fire has burned 60,645 acres and is currently 11% contained. Crews are utilizing tactical firing operations to bring the fire closer to containment lines, particularly along Highway 204.
4. Wrights Spring Fire (Southern Oregon): Burning north of Klamath Falls, this fire has consumed 55,000 acres and is currently 65% contained.
5. Paradise Fire (Washington/Oregon Border): Burning east of Walla Walla, this 9,272-acre fire is 13% contained. It is highly noteworthy due to its threat to the Mill Creek Watershed, which supplies most of Walla Walla’s drinking water. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency in Walla Walla County to secure federal assistance.
6. Paddy Creek Fire (Arizona): Though smaller at 660 acres, this lightning-caused fire on the Fort Apache Agency is a high operational priority. It is burning in grass and timber understory, and crews are working aggressively to limit its spread into the Paddy Creek drainage.

Firefighting Efforts

A massive mobilization of resources is currently underway to combat these blazes. As of today, there are 21,859 firefighters and support personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. Wildland fire response remains a 24/7 operation, with dispatchers, aviation crews, and support staff working through weekends and upcoming holidays to address both ongoing incidents and new starts. Recent national efforts have also been bolstered by international support, including fireline management personnel from Australia and New Zealand assisting in the heavily impacted Northwest Area.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain a critical concern across much of the American West, complicating suppression efforts:

• Dry Lightning Risk: Central and northern California face an increased risk of isolated dry lightning today, elevating the potential for new fire starts. Thunderstorms will be wetter and more numerous near the Sierra Crest.
• Red Flag Conditions: The Great Basin, extending into Wyoming and the West Slope, is experiencing critically low relative humidity (10–25%) combined with gusty winds. Wind gusts up to 45 mph are possible in southern and western Wyoming, which could drive rapid fire expansion.
• Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered mixed wet/dry thunderstorms are expected across portions of California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, western Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico. These storms can produce erratic, gusty outflow winds that make fire behavior highly unpredictable.
• Eastern U.S. & Tropics: Conditions remain generally dry and seasonable in the East. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dolly is approaching the northeastern Caribbean, potentially bringing increased moisture and thunderstorms to Puerto Rico.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Labor Day Weekend Caution: With the holiday weekend approaching, periods of recreation and travel drastically increase the risk of human-caused fires. Officials urge the public to practice extreme fire safety, respect all local burn bans, and properly extinguish any legal campfires.
• Drone Warning: As of late August, over 73 drone incursions have been reported near wildfires this year—far outpacing recent years. Never fly drones near a wildfire. Unauthorized drones force the grounding of aerial firefighting resources, putting firefighters and communities at severe risk.
• Air Quality: Smoke from these large fires is affecting air quality across multiple states. For real-time air quality and smoke tracking in your area, please visit fire.airnow.gov.
• Travel Safety: Motorists should use extreme caution when traveling near fire operations. Watch for heavy firefighting equipment on area roads, expect potential delays or closures (such as those near the Hagen Fire on Highway 204), and never bypass emergency road closures.