National Wildfire Situation Report
Date: June 20, 2026

National Overview

As of June 18, 2026, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has elevated the National Preparedness Level to Level 3 (PL3). This escalation reflects a growing demand for firefighting resources and heightened fire potential across several regions of the country. While current resource capabilities are sustaining incident operations, geographic areas are increasingly relying on national support to accomplish incident management objectives.

The 2026 fire season is proving to be exceptionally severe, with experts increasingly referring to it as a year-round "fire year." Year-to-date, over 33,349 fires have been reported, burning more than 2.6 million acres. This is significantly above the 10-year average of 24,685 fires and 1.6 million acres burned by this time of year. The elevated risk is being driven by persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña, an unprecedented snow drought, record-low water shortages, and intense early-season heat waves that have critically dried out vegetation across the United States.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Fire activity remains heavily concentrated across the Northwest, Great Basin, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain areas, with highly impactful incidents also occurring in the Southeast. Over the last 72 hours, the following fires and regions have been the most noteworthy:

1. South Fork Fire (Nebraska): Currently one of the largest active incidents in the country, this fire has burned over 39,000 acres. Firefighters remain actively engaged in suppression efforts to protect local communities.
2. Quarry 2, Well, and Coptic Fires (Florida): Burning in Miami-Dade County, these fires have collectively scorched over 20,000 acres (with Quarry 2 at 17,200 acres and 75% contained). They have caused severe air quality issues across South Florida, prompted evacuations, and forced the closure of major roadways, including portions of Florida's Turnpike.
3. Kartar, Roza, and Cable Creek Fires (Washington & Oregon): A series of new, rapidly expanding large fires in the Pacific Northwest exhibiting active fire behavior, threatening structures, and prompting ongoing evacuations and road closures.
4. Tule and Juniper Dunes Fires (Washington): Burning over 5,000 and 3,000 acres respectively, these fires are spreading quickly due to high winds and dry conditions, contributing to "Unhealthy" air quality in the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding metro areas.
5. Upriver Fire (Washington): A tragic incident near Spokane where human remains were recently recovered after individuals reportedly refused to heed evacuation orders.
6. Median, Kane Springs, and Grapevine Fires (Idaho & Nevada): A cluster of new fires in the Great Basin that are exhibiting rapid growth and challenging fire behavior.
7. Sycamore Fire (Arizona) & Bear Fire (New Mexico): Significant fires in the Southwest where crews continue to work against hot, dry, and breezy conditions. The Bear Fire is currently estimated at over 31,000 acres.
8. Clums Fire (Alaska): A rapidly growing, lightning-caused wildfire northeast of Fairbanks. While currently smaller in size, it highlights the severe lightning activity (over 500 strikes recently recorded) and the high risk of "holdover" fires in the region.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationally, there are currently 27 uncontained large fires burning across the country. Nearly 5,000 personnel, including two Complex Incident Management Teams, are actively assigned to incidents nationwide. Firefighters are utilizing a massive deployment of resources, including single-engine water scoopers, large air tankers, and helicopters conducting bucket drops to support ground crews.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain critical across much of the United States. Persistent triple-digit heat and single-digit relative humidity are baking the Desert Southwest and the western third of the country.

• Red Flag Warnings: Currently in effect for much of eastern Washington, southern Utah, southern Nevada, the Navajo Nation, northern Arizona, and parts of Alaska (Yukon Flats).
• Thunderstorms and Dry Lightning: Incoming thunderstorms are anticipated over the northern Sierra, southeast Arizona, southern New Mexico, and west Texas. These storms are expected to produce only spotty rainfall, heightening the risk of dry lightning igniting new fires.
• Community Impact: Heat waves are acting as a major driver of fire activity, desiccating fuels and increasing flammability. Communities in the path of smoke plumes, particularly in South Florida and the Pacific Northwest, should be prepared for hazardous air quality.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Heed Evacuation Orders: The tragic loss of life in recent fires underscores the absolute necessity of following local evacuation orders immediately. Do not wait to leave if your area is threatened.
• Prepare Your Home: Visit ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to create defensible space around your property, harden your home against embers, and build an emergency supply kit.
• Protect Your Health: If you are in an area affected by wildfire smoke, keep doors and windows closed, run air purifiers if available, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With vegetation critically dry, human-caused ignitions can be catastrophic. Adhere to all local burn bans, avoid using equipment that sparks near dry grass (such as dragging towing chains), and fully extinguish all campfires where permitted.