Here is your daily wildfire summary report for the United States, reflecting the current situation and data from the last 72 hours as of May 4, 2026.

National Overview

According to the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) report, the National Preparedness Level currently sits at Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5). While the national level remains relatively low, the Southern Area has been elevated to Preparedness Level 4 due to significant, ongoing fire activity that is placing higher demands on local resources.

Fire activity remains steady as the country moves further into spring, signaling the start of what is already shaping up to be a highly active fire year. Year-to-date, there have been over 24,200 wildfires reported, which have burned approximately 1.84 million acres nationwide. This marks a significant increase compared to recent years, already surpassing the 10-year average for this time of year and running at nearly 194% of the historical average for acreage burned.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, several fires and regions have seen noteworthy activity and impacts:

1. Highway 41 Fire (Florida): Burning in the Everglades National Park, this fire scorched 9,149 acres. Over the weekend, fire officials reported it as 100% contained, though the heavy smoke previously forced the shutdown of US 41 and prompted local business and trail closures.
2. Hazen Fire (Arizona): Located southwest of Buckeye, this fire grew to nearly 1,000 acres over the weekend and remained 0% contained as of Monday morning. A temporary flight restriction is currently in place as crews battle the blaze in thick, dry vegetation.
3. Southeast Georgia / Brantley County Fires (Georgia): Ongoing incidents in Southeast Georgia are threatening communities and infrastructure, contributing heavily to the Southern Area's elevated Preparedness Level 4 status.
4. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Highlighted by the NIFC, this fire serves as a prime example of how quickly conditions can shift and fires can spread when driven by high winds and dry fuels in the Southwest.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently 20 uncontained large fires being actively suppressed. To combat these incidents, nearly 2,400 wildland fire personnel are currently deployed across the country. Additionally, two Complex Incident Management Teams have been mobilized to support complex wildfire response efforts, particularly in the hardest-hit southern regions.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Critical fire weather is a major concern today. The National Weather Service has issued widespread Red Flag Warnings across 42 counties in Michigan, effective through Monday evening. A combination of strong wind gusts (up to 45 mph), warm temperatures in the mid-70s, and relative humidity dropping as low as 20% means that any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Looking at the predictive outlook, the NIFC notes that above-normal significant fire potential will persist across the Southern Area, including Florida, South Georgia, East Texas, and Louisiana. Meanwhile, warm and dry conditions will continue to build west of the Rockies. Communities in these warned areas should be on high alert, as the combination of dormant vegetation and dry surface fuels significantly increases fire susceptibility.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

May marks the beginning of Wildfire Awareness Month, a critical time for prevention and preparation:

• Exercise Extreme Caution: In areas under Red Flag Warnings, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents should be highly cautious with any activities that could throw a spark, including using outdoor grills, smoking materials, chainsaws, and all-terrain vehicles.
• Create Defensible Space: As seasonal conditions become warmer and drier, now is the time to clear brush, dead leaves, and debris from around your home to reduce wildfire risk.
• Stay Informed: Have an emergency plan in place and keep an evacuation kit ready. Always follow local emergency management alerts and National Weather Service updates for real-time information on fire weather and potential evacuation orders.