Daily Wildfire Summary Report – May 13, 2026

National Overview

Based on the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) report, the National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2 (on a 1 to 5 scale). This indicates that while significant wildland fire activity is occurring—particularly in the Southern and Southwest regions—national resource capabilities remain stable enough to sustain incident operations using local and regional resources.

The 2026 fire season is already proving to be exceptionally volatile. So far this year, over 25,500 fires have burned more than 1.88 million acres nationwide. This represents a staggering increase, sitting nearly 194% above the 10-year average for acres burned to date, with the total number of fires 150% above average. Experts warn that 2026 could be one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent U.S. history, driven by widespread extreme drought affecting over 62% of the country, low snowpack, and early-season heat waves.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been heavily concentrated in the Southeast, with additional notable incidents in the Southwest and West. There are currently 15 uncontained large fires nationally. Key incidents include:

1. Pineland Road Fire (Georgia): Burning in Clinch County, this is one of the largest active fires in the country at over 32,500 acres.
2. Highway 82 Fire (Georgia): Located in Brantley County, this fire has consumed over 22,600 acres.
3. South Canal & Max Road Fires (Florida): Active fires in Florida are exhibiting wind-driven runs and producing smoke that is impacting local metropolitan air quality.
4. Cow Creek & Lochloosa West Fires (Florida): Additional large fires burning in timber and southern rough, threatening local structures and prompting trail closures.
5. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Burning in the Gila National Forest. While recent precipitation has moderated fire behavior in some areas, it remains an active timber fire requiring area closures.
6. Hazen Fire (Arizona): A brush, grass, and timber fire burning actively south of Buckeye, Arizona.
7. Los Angeles County Fire (California): A new, fast-moving wildfire was reported on the evening of May 12 on private land in Los Angeles County, prompting an immediate local response.
8. Pine Mountain Fire (Oregon): Burning in the Deschutes National Forest, this fire reached over 2,500 acres but is now 85% contained.

Firefighting Efforts

With the National Preparedness Level at 2, the demand for shared national resources is currently manageable. Local and state crews are successfully handling the majority of initial attacks, and no Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) are currently committed. Thousands of wildland firefighters, support personnel, and state forestry crews are actively engaged on the ground across the country. Aviation resources, including helicopters and airtankers, are being utilized to support ground crews with water and retardant drops, and federal agencies are prepping surplus equipment and aircraft for an escalating summer season.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain a critical concern across several regions. The NIFC predictive outlook indicates above-normal significant fire potential through May for the coastal Southeast, Florida, the Southwest, and the Upper Midwest.

• Red Flag Warnings: Currently issued for 35 counties in Minnesota, parts of Central California, Northeast and North Central Florida, and the Delta Prevention Area in Alaska. These warnings indicate a dangerous combination of low relative humidity, warm temperatures, and high winds.
• Impact on Firefighting: In California and Arizona, an extreme mid-May heat wave combined with gusty winds is priming vegetation, making any new ignitions likely to spread rapidly and stressing firefighting resources. In Florida, severe thunderstorms are forecast; while rain could aid firefighting, associated lightning and erratic 40–60 mph winds pose a severe risk of sparking new fires and causing unpredictable fire behavior.
• Community Concerns: Communities in the Southeast, Southwest, Upper Midwest, and California should remain on high alert. Under current conditions, a spark from a dragging trailer chain, an ATV parked on dry grass, or an unextinguished campfire can become a major wildfire in minutes.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, a crucial reminder that nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable.

• Observe Local Restrictions: Adhere strictly to local burn bans and Red Flag Warnings. Many areas, including parts of Minnesota and Alaska, have suspended all open burning permits.
• Prevent Sparks: Avoid any activity that could spark a fire. Do not park hot vehicles on dry grass, ensure trailer chains are crossed and not dragging on the pavement, and fully extinguish all campfires where they are still permitted.
• Stay Informed and Prepared: Stay weather-aware and monitor local emergency channels. Have an evacuation plan in place for your family and pets, and be ready to seek shelter or evacuate immediately if severe weather or fire warnings are issued in your area.
• Protect Your Home: Take time to build defensible space around your property by clearing dry brush, dead leaves, and debris from around your home, roof, and gutters.