Here is the daily wildfire summary report for the United States as of May 7, 2026.

National Overview

As of today, the National Preparedness Level (NPL) sits at Level 2. At this stage, resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain incident operations, though states are beginning to share resources as fire activity increases. However, the Southern Area has been elevated to Preparedness Level 4 due to significant, concentrated fire activity requiring a major commitment of regional resources.

The 2026 fire season is proving to be exceptionally active. Year-to-date, over 24,200 fires have burned approximately 1.84 million acres across the United States. This already far surpasses the 10-year average for this time of year (which typically sees around 9,100 fires and 664,000 acres burned by early spring). Exceptionally dry fuels, combined with a persistent La Niña-like atmospheric pattern, have contributed to rapid fire growth and unusual fire behavior, particularly in the Great Plains, the Southwest, and the Southeast.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been heavily concentrated in the Southern and Southwestern United States. Here are the 10 most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning, prioritized by size and regional impact:

1. Pineland Road Fire (Georgia): Burning in Clinch County, this is currently the largest active incident at 32,569 acres and is 23% contained.
2. Hwy 82 Fire (Georgia): Located in Brantley County, this fire has consumed 22,600 acres and is currently 32% contained.
3. Pressey Fire (Nebraska): Burning in Custer County, this fire reached 9,141 acres, but firefighters have made excellent progress over the last few days, reaching 95% containment.
4. 139 Fire (Florida): Located in Liberty County, this fire has burned 6,499 acres and is 75% contained.
5. HWY 41 Fire (Florida): A rapidly developing and highly impactful situation in Miami-Dade County. This fire has burned 5,000 acres and currently has 0% containment, generating heavy smoke in densely populated areas of South Florida.
6. RAILROAD Fire (Florida): Burning 4,796 acres in Putnam County, currently 80% contained.
7. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Located in Catron County, this fire has burned 3,882 acres with 0% containment, highlighting how quickly conditions can shift with wind and dry fuels in the Southwest.
8. Bauman Fire (South Dakota): Burning in Jackson County, this fire is at 3,178 acres and 70% contained.
9. COW CREEK Fire (Florida): Located in Levy County, this fire has burned 2,364 acres and is 50% contained.
10. Hazen Fire (Arizona): Burning near Buckeye, this uncontained fire has consumed hundreds of hectares of rural landscape over the past few days, requiring sustained suppression efforts and local evacuations.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, nearly 2,400 wildland firefighting personnel are currently deployed to support wildfire response efforts. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that two Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) have been mobilized to oversee the most complex and demanding incidents. While national resources are adequate at NPL 2, the high concentration of fires in the Southeast has required significant interagency cooperation, resource sharing, and logistical support within the Southern Area to protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Weather and Fire Conditions

According to the latest predictive outlooks and situation reports from NIFC, weather conditions are creating a divided fire environment across the country. A stalled cold front is currently bringing heavy rainfall, increased cloud cover, and gusty winds to eastern New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and the southern Gulf states. This moisture is expected to aid suppression efforts in those specific regions over the coming days.

However, conditions remain hot, dry, and breezy across central and southern Florida, south of the cold front, which will continue to challenge crews fighting the HWY 41 and Cow Creek fires. West of the Rockies, warm and dry conditions persist. The National Seasonal Fire Outlook projects above-normal wildfire risk for much of the Southeast, Texas, and the Carolinas due to reduced precipitation and increased temperatures. Communities in these elevated-risk areas should remain highly vigilant, as dry vegetation is highly susceptible to ignition.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

As we move deeper into an already active 2026 fire season, preparedness is your best defense. We urge residents in fire-prone areas to take the following steps:

• Create Defensible Space: Clear dead brush, leaves, and flammable materials from around your home to reduce the risk of embers igniting your property.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local emergency management channels and utilize InciWeb for real-time, incident-specific updates, evacuation notices, and maps. Pay close attention to local Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With dry and windy conditions prevalent in many regions, strictly adhere to local burn bans. Avoid parking hot vehicles on dry grass, ensure trailer chains do not drag and spark, and fully extinguish any permitted campfires.
• Prepare an Evacuation Plan: Have a "go-bag" ready with essential documents, medications, and supplies for your family and pets in case an evacuation order is issued for your area. When an evacuation order is given, leave immediately.