United States Wildfire Situation Report
Date: July 23, 2026

National Overview

The United States is currently experiencing a highly active and severe wildfire season. As of the latest updates from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the National Preparedness Level has been elevated to Level 5 (PL 5)—the highest possible stage of national response. Reaching PL 5 in July is historically early and indicates that national firefighting resources are heavily committed, with multiple geographic areas competing for personnel and equipment.

Year-to-date, firefighters have responded to more than 41,200 fires that have burned nearly 3.9 million acres across the country. This significantly outpaces the 10-year average of approximately 3 million acres for this time of year. While the Northwest Geographic Area continues to be the busiest region in the country, large-fire activity remains intense across the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountains.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, crews have been actively battling 72 large, uncontained fires nationwide. The following are among the most impactful and noteworthy active fires, prioritized by size and community impact:

1. Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon): Currently the largest active fire in the country, burning 142,936 acres across Wheeler, Wasco, and Jefferson counties with 0% containment.
2. Babylon Fire (Utah): Burning 107,173 acres in San Juan County. Crews have made significant progress over the last few days, reaching 62% containment.
3. Aspen Acres Fire (Colorado): A major incident in Custer County that has burned 99,820 acres and is currently 48% contained.
4. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Has burned 97,458 acres in the Fishlake National Forest. Firefighters have achieved 90% containment on this highly destructive fire.
5. Hay Creek Complex (Oregon): Burning 92,211 acres across Gilliam, Wasco, and Sherman counties, currently 27% contained.
6. Ferris Fire (Colorado): Burning 64,881 acres in Montezuma County, currently 59% contained.
7. Gold Mountain Fire (Colorado): Burning 37,734 acres in Ouray County with 13% containment.
8. Pocket Fire (Arizona): Burning 27,393 acres near Sedona. While 76% contained, it has significantly impacted regional air quality and triggered ozone advisories as far north as Flagstaff.
9. East Evans Creek Fire (Oregon): Though smaller at 11,551 acres, this fire in Jackson County is only 5% contained and has exhibited extreme fire behavior, threatening numerous structures and prompting evacuations.

Firefighting Efforts

A massive mobilization of resources is underway to combat the current threat. According to the NIFC, there are currently 21,263 firefighters and support personnel deployed nationwide. Resources on the ground and in the air include 492 hand crews, 1,159 engines, and 124 helicopters.

Due to the extreme demand for civilian resources at Preparedness Level 5, military assistance has been activated. The Department of Defense has deployed C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS). MAFFS airtankers and support personnel from the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are currently operating out of Klamath Falls, Oregon, as well as San Bernardino and Santa Maria, California, to support wildland fire operations nationally.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Current weather patterns present a complex challenge for fire suppression. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings across parts of the Pacific Northwest, including Central Oregon and Washington, due to a dangerous combination of abundant dry lightning, critically low humidity, and erratic thunderstorm outflow winds that can gust up to 30 mph. Under these conditions, any new fire starts have the potential to spread rapidly and behave erratically.

Very hot and dry conditions persist across the Inland Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Southern California, fueling aggressive fire behavior. Meanwhile, scattered showers and wet thunderstorms are moving across the Southwest, Great Basin, and Central Rockies. While this brings much-needed moisture, it also carries the threat of lightning-caused ignitions and localized flash flooding.

Communities downwind of these fires should be prepared for fluctuating air quality. Smoke continues to drift across various regions, compounding the haze already descending from Canadian wildfires into the Midwest and Northeast.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Stay Informed and Ready: Monitor local emergency management channels and law enforcement for evacuation orders and road closures. If you are in a high-risk area, have a "go-bag" ready and know your evacuation routes.
• Protect Your Health from Smoke: Wildfire smoke can severely impact respiratory and cardiovascular health. Keep windows closed during heavy smoke periods and use a MERV 13 or higher HVAC filter to maintain indoor air quality.
• Observe Burn Bans: Adhere strictly to local outdoor burning restrictions and avoid any activities that could produce sparks in dry vegetation (such as dragging trailer chains or parking hot vehicles on dry grass).
• Keep the Skies Clear: Never fly drones near wildfires. So far this year, there have been 19 unauthorized drone incursions near wildfires. Even a small drone can cause a fatal collision with firefighting aircraft, forcing officials to ground all aerial operations and putting communities and firefighters at greater risk. Remember: If you fly, they can't.