National Fire Activity Calms as Storm Replaces Winds in Southern California

The United States remains at National Preparedness Level 1 following a recent decline in fire weather, even as cumulative fire activity and total area burned this year track well above the ten-year average. National fire activity remains light, with ten uncontained large fires under suppression and no Complex Incident Management Teams deployed. Initial attack demands are currently met by local and regional resources without requiring national mobilization.

Significant Fires

• Norte Fire (California) — Burning near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, the fire damaged or destroyed several homes before moderating weather allowed crews to make substantial containment progress. All mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted, though local road closures remain in effect on Via La Mirada for mop-up operations in the burn scar.
• Henderson Fire (California) — Burning on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, the fire destroyed one military building but is now contained following aggressive suppression efforts. Surrounding civilian areas were spared, and Interstate 5 and primary base gates have reopened to normal traffic with restrictions limited to Las Pulgas Road.
• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Located northwest of Stehekin in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the fire continues to burn uncontained and threatens nearby residences. Forest Service personnel are focusing on structure protection while local forest roads and trail systems remain closed to the public.
• Ridge Fire (Michigan) — Burning northwest of Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as part of the Rugged Terrain Complex, the fire has held within perimeter lines despite persistent regional drought. Favorable progress allowed officials to cancel previous residential evacuation orders along County Road 510.
• Broken Creek Fire (Louisiana) — Burning in Rapides Parish on Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest, the fire is contained following suppression operations marked by the tragic line-of-duty death of a Forest Service firefighter. Crews secured perimeter lines and continue mop-up operations.
• Mount Pilgrim Road Fire (Mississippi) — Located in Madison County, the fire is contained following suppression actions by state forestry personnel. Crews remain on site conducting mop-up and monitoring for residual heat amid dry conditions.

Conditions and Outlook

No active Red Flag Warnings are in effect nationwide, though moderate fire potential persists across the Lower Mississippi Valley and dry conditions continue over the High Plains. Over the next 72 hours, an incoming Pacific storm system will bring widespread rain and gusty winds to Southern California, dampening fire spread while introducing flash flood and debris flow hazards over fresh burn scars. In the Pacific Northwest, seasonably cool temperatures and calm winds will keep fire activity minimal.

What Residents Should Do

• Monitor local weather alerts for flash flooding and debris flow risks near recent Southern California burn scars ahead of incoming rainfall.
• Heed remaining road closures and avoid entering restricted burn areas to allow emergency mop-up crews to operate safely.
• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and maintain defensible space where low relative humidity and dry conditions persist across the South.