Santa Ana Winds Raise California Fire Danger While Rain Aids Crews Nationwide

National wildfire preparedness sits at Level 1, reflecting light overall activity across the country even as fire activity and burned area track well above average for the year to date. Only a few uncontained large wildfires remain active nationwide, with suppression efforts focused primarily in the Northwest, Eastern, and Southern regions. Meanwhile, gusty Santa Ana winds bring heightened fire risk to Southern California despite wet autumn conditions across much of the country.

Significant Fires

• Sisi Fire (Washington) — Burning northwest of Stehekin, the fire continues to creep and smolder through sheltered timber, threatening upper Stehekin Valley homes and infrastructure. Closures remain in effect along the Pacific Crest Trail, though incoming rain and mountain snow are expected to dampen activity over the coming days.
• Wild River Fire (New Hampshire) — Crews in the White Mountain National Forest are strengthening lines and extinguishing deep smoldering hot spots in roots and duff. Emergency closures remain active for Wild River Road and adjacent hiking trails, with persistent damp weather forecast to assist mop-up operations.
• Bee Haven 2 Fire (Florida) — Located in Hamilton County, the fire is heavily secured but continues to smolder stubbornly deep in wetland organic fuels. State crews remain on scene conducting mop-up and patrol operations.
• Ridge Fire (Michigan) — Burning north of Negaunee in Marquette County, the fire has calmed to duff-layer creeping following recent autumn rains. Portions of the Noquemanon Trail system remain closed while crews patrol the secured perimeter.
• Tracy Run Fire (Pennsylvania) — Crews are establishing control lines around the fire burning east of the Allegheny Reservoir in Allegheny National Forest. Firefighters continue suppression work across the dry terrain.

Conditions and Outlook

A Red Flag Warning is active across Los Angeles and Ventura counties in Southern California, where dry Santa Ana winds and low humidity create critical fire danger through Saturday evening. Elsewhere across the country, fire weather remains quiet as incoming Pacific storms deliver rain and mountain snow to the Northwest while damp, chilly conditions linger in the East. Favorable weather will continue to limit new ignitions across most regions outside Southern California over the next 72 hours.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Emergency fire restrictions and outdoor flame bans are in effect across western Los Angeles County municipalities, alongside parking restrictions in high-hazard hillside zones and resident-only access on Mulholland Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Southern California Edison is considering precautionary public safety power shutoffs in wind-prone areas, while national forest and trail closures remain active near fires in Washington, New Hampshire, and Michigan.

What Residents Should Do

• Obey parking and travel restrictions in Southern California hillside communities to keep emergency corridors open.
• Avoid outdoor burning, power equipment, and spark-producing activities during active Red Flag Warnings.
• Respect trail and road closures in national forests and state recreation areas where firefighters are operating.