National Wildfire Situation Report
Date: July 21, 2026
Source: Compiled from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and trusted federal monitoring agencies.

National Overview

The United States is currently experiencing an exceptionally active and severe wildfire season. As of July 18, 2026, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group elevated the National Preparedness Level to Level 5 (PL 5)—the highest possible stage of national response. Reaching PL 5 in July is historically rare and indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed across multiple geographic areas, with several regions competing for personnel and equipment.

Year-to-date, firefighters have responded to nearly 41,000 fires that have burned approximately 3.9 to 4 million acres across the United States. This places the current fire season significantly ahead of the 10-year average of roughly 3 million acres burned by mid-July. Fire activity is currently mirroring conditions normally not seen until much later in the season. Experts attribute this rapid escalation to climate extremes, including critically hot and dry conditions, unusually high winds, and earlier-than-normal fire starts.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, large-fire activity has been heavily concentrated in the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest. Currently, 72 large fires are being actively suppressed nationwide, including 5 new large incidents reported in the last day.

The most noteworthy and impactful fires currently burning include:

1. Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon): The largest active fire in the country, burning 142,936 acres in Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties with 0% containment.
2. Babylon Fire (Utah): Burning 107,173 acres (62% contained) in San Juan County. This fire has prompted closures in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District and is threatening the Bears Ears National Monument.
3. Aspen Acres Fire (Colorado): A massive blaze in Custer County that has consumed 99,820 acres and is currently 48% contained.
4. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Burning 97,458 acres in Beaver County. Now 90% contained, it is recorded as one of the most destructive fires in the state's history.
5. Hay Creek Complex (Oregon): Burning 92,211 acres across Gilliam, Wasco, and Sherman counties, currently at 27% containment.
6. Ferris Fire (Colorado): Burning 64,881 acres (59% contained) in Montezuma and Dolores counties. It recently merged with the Doe Canyon Fire, threatening rural communities and the Lone Mesa State Park.
7. Gold Mountain Fire (Colorado): Originating near the City of Ouray, this fire has expanded to 37,734 acres (13% contained) across the Uncompahgre National Forest, impacting several mountain communities.
8. Snyder Fire (Utah/Colorado Border): Burning 28,264 acres (98% contained) near the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, having triggered significant local evacuations earlier in the week.
9. Grapevine Fire (Nevada): Burning 26,464 acres in Lincoln County. Firefighters have made excellent progress, reaching 99% containment.
10. Little Knife Fire (Minnesota): While smaller at 6,000 acres (0% contained), this fire is highly impactful due to its location, forcing the continued closure of the popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through at least July 24.

Firefighting Efforts

Federal, state, and local agencies are executing a massive, coordinated response. According to the latest NIFC Incident Management Situation Report, there are currently 20,939 firefighters and support personnel deployed to wildfire incidents nationwide.

Resources currently engaged on the ground and in the air include:

• 446 hand crews
• 1,127 fire engines
• 125 helicopters

Due to the strain on civilian resources at PL 5, military assistance has been activated. The Department of Defense has deployed C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS). Currently, MAFFS airtankers and support personnel from the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are operating out of Klamath Falls, OR, San Bernardino, CA, and Santa Maria, CA to support wildland fire operations nationally.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Current weather patterns present a complex challenge for fire suppression and community safety across the country:

• The West and Pacific Northwest: Hot, dry conditions persist from the northern Cascades through the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, which will continue to fuel aggressive fire behavior. Isolated dry thunderstorms in the southern Cascades pose a severe risk for new lightning-caused ignitions.
• Southwest and Great Basin: A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms is spreading across Arizona, western New Mexico, Utah, and eastern Nevada. While rain could aid firefighting efforts, these storms bring the threat of erratic outflow winds that can rapidly spread existing fires, as well as the risk of heavy rainfall leading to dangerous flash flooding in burn scar areas.
• Midwest and Great Lakes: A cold front moving across the Northeast is generating strong northerly winds across Minnesota and the Upper Great Lakes, which may complicate containment efforts for fires burning in those regions.
• Southeast: Strong winds across South Florida and the Carolina coast, combined with limited rainfall, are contributing to elevated fire potential in those areas.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: Approximately 85% of all wildfires are caused by human activity. With national resources stretched thin, it is vital to prevent new starts. Adhere to all local fire bans, avoid burning debris, ensure campfires are completely extinguished (cold to the touch), and avoid using equipment that sparks near dry vegetation.
• Monitor Air Quality: Massive smoke plumes from domestic fires and ongoing Canadian wildfires are affecting air quality across the country, particularly in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Vulnerable individuals should monitor local conditions via fire.airnow.gov and limit outdoor exposure when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
• Stay Prepared: If you live in a fire-prone area, sign up for local emergency alerts. Keep a "go-bag" packed with essential documents, medications, and supplies. Always follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement immediately—do not wait to see if the fire approaches.