Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: April 13, 2026

National Overview

The national Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2. Fire activity remains relatively light across much of the country over the last 72 hours, with 98 new fires reported and four new large fires. However, the 2026 fire season is off to an aggressively above-normal start. As of the end of March, over 1.6 million acres have burned nationwide, which is 231% of the previous 10-year average, with 16,746 wildfires reported (168% of average).

This early surge in fire activity is driven by a combination of climate factors. A record-breaking early heatwave in March triggered a premature snowmelt—up to 4 to 6 weeks earlier than normal in the West—exacerbating a severe "snow drought" where many basins reported less than 25% of their normal snowpack. Furthermore, above-normal rainfall in 2025 created exceptional grass loads in the Great Plains, which have now dried out into volatile tinder due to recent moisture deficits.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, the most impactful and noteworthy fire activity has been concentrated in the Southern Area and the Great Plains. Here are the most significant situations:

1. Nebraska (Regional Impact): The state has recently experienced historic fire activity, including the largest and second-largest recorded wildfires in modern state history. These fast-moving prairie fires prompted major evacuations for communities including Lewellen, Farnam, and areas around Lake McConaughy.
2. Hwy 351 Dixie Fire (Florida): Burning southwest of Cross City, this fire is exhibiting active behavior with running. Road closures are currently in effect.
3. Hilux Fire (Florida): Located in the Big Cypress National Preserve, this fire is showing moderate behavior but is threatening numerous structures in the area.
4. Odell Fire (Oklahoma): Burning near Osage, this fire is exhibiting highly active behavior with wind-driven runs and spotting.
5. Sunny Fire (Oklahoma): Also in the Osage Agency area, this fire is making active runs and flanking, with local structures currently threatened.
6. Brushy Mountain Fire (Oklahoma): Burning west of Heavener in hardwood litter and grass, exhibiting active flanking and running behavior.
7. Carson 3611 Fire (Texas): A new large fire that ignited north of Panhandle, Texas, contributing to the elevated fire risk in the High Plains.
8. STE Alum Fire (Kentucky): Burning in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is showing active fire behavior, prompting area, road, and trail closures.
9. Williams Creek Fire (Alabama): Burning in the National Forests in Alabama. While fire behavior is currently minimal, structures remain threatened.
10. Sargent Fire (Florida): Though exhibiting minimal creeping behavior, this fire in the National Forests in Florida is noteworthy as it is threatening local railroad infrastructure.

Firefighting Efforts

Currently, there are 770 wildland fire personnel assigned to incidents nationwide, and eight large fires remain uncontained. While national resources are not yet heavily depleted (reflecting the Level 2 Preparedness status), agencies are fully prepared for the escalating season. The U.S. Forest Service has successfully met most of its hiring goals, with approximately 28,000 responders ready to mobilize. Additionally, the Department of the Interior has consolidated its firefighting forces into a single, unified Wildland Fire Service consisting of about 4,000 personnel to streamline interagency response.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Current Weather & Warnings: An upper-level trough is moving into the West this weekend, bringing much-needed precipitation to the West Coast, the western Great Basin, and the Rockies. However, conditions remain hazardous elsewhere. In the central and southern High Plains, breezy and very dry southwest winds are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions, making initial attack efforts difficult. The Appalachians and Southeast also remain dry, with low afternoon relative humidity dropping to 15-30% and poor overnight moisture recovery.

Predictive Outlook: The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) anticipates that above-normal large wildfire potential will expand significantly in the coming months. Risk will increase in May for northern California, in June for the Northwest, and in July for Idaho. The ongoing "snow drought" will accelerate the drying of low- and mid-elevation fuels as temperatures rise, removing the usual barriers to early-summer fire spread. Communities in the High Plains and Southeast should remain highly vigilant of rapid fire spread, while residents in the Midwest and West should prepare for a heavy wildfire smoke season.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Create Defensible Space: With volatile fuel loads across much of the country, homeowners—especially those in the wildland-urban interface—should take immediate Firewise steps. Clear dead brush, leaves, and flammable materials from around your property.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local emergency management alerts for evacuation warnings. For real-time, incident-specific details on active fires, visit InciWeb.
• Prepare a Go-Bag: If you live in a fire-prone region, ensure your family has an evacuation plan and an emergency kit packed with essentials, medications, and important documents.
• Recreate Responsibly: The 2026 National Fire Year Themes emphasize making responsible choices on public lands. Nearly 90% of wildfires are human-caused; adhere strictly to local burn bans and ensure campfires are completely extinguished.
• Monitor Air Quality: As the season progresses, smoke impacts will become more prevalent. Check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly and limit outdoor exertion when smoke levels are high.