National Wildfire Situation Report – June 23, 2026

National Overview

As of June 23, 2026, the National Preparedness Level sits at Level 3 (PL3). The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) raised the preparedness level late last week as significant wildland fire activity continues across multiple geographic areas and the potential for additional large fires remains elevated. While current national resource capabilities are sufficient to sustain incident operations, geographic areas are increasingly utilizing national support to accomplish incident management objectives.

The United States is experiencing an exceptionally intense start to the year, with experts increasingly referring to 2026 as a "fire year" rather than a traditional fire season. So far this year, 34,038 fires have burned more than 2.7 million acres nationwide. These figures are staggering compared to historical norms: the number of wildfires is roughly 150% above the 10-year average, and the acreage burned is nearly double the 10-year average for this time of year. This surge is driven by a combination of widespread drought, reduced snowpack, excess dry vegetation, shifting climate patterns, and rising global temperatures.

Currently, firefighters are working to suppress 31 uncontained large fires across eight geographic areas, with the Great Basin experiencing the highest concentration of large incidents (11 fires).

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, several major incidents have required significant emergency responses. The most impactful and noteworthy fires include:

1. Iron Fire (Utah): This human-caused fire on the Tooele and Juab county line has exploded to approximately 24,000 acres with 0% containment. It forced a full mandatory evacuation of the town of Eureka (population ~1,000) and closed U.S. Highway 6. Fortunately, overnight defensive backburns have protected the town, and no primary structures have been lost.
2. Cottonwood Fire (Utah): Igniting Monday afternoon in the Fishlake National Forest near Beaver, this fast-moving fire quickly grew to 10,000 acres and is 0% containment. Mandatory evacuations are in place for the HiLo area, Eagle Point, Merchant Valley, and surrounding summer homes.
3. South Fork Fire (Nebraska): Currently the largest fire in the country at nearly 40,000 acres. Firefighters have made excellent progress, reaching 90% containment with minimal fire behavior currently reported.
4. Pocket Fire (Arizona): Burning north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon, this 500-acre fire remains 0% contained. Evacuations are in effect, and State Route 89A has been closed.
5. Elliott Complex & Starry Fire (Alaska): Following over 13,000 lightning strikes across the state since Friday, 40 new fires have been identified. Authorities are consolidating several fires near the Elliott Highway into the Elliott Complex. Meanwhile, the Starry Fire has prompted evacuations near Anderson.
6. Kane Springs & Grapevine Fires (Nevada): Both fires are exhibiting extreme fire behavior, including running, spotting, and torching, driven by critical weather conditions. The Kane Springs fire is currently threatening local railroad infrastructure.
7. Upriver Fire (Washington): This fire has destroyed 18 structures but is now 85% contained. FEMA recently approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to aid in recovery and suppression efforts.
8. Corrections Fire (Florida): Burning 330 acres near the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami-Dade County, this fire is 15% contained. Calm winds have kept smoke lingering over western Miami-Dade neighborhoods, prompting local air quality concerns.
9. Cherry Fire (California): Though smaller at 89 acres, this fire in Riverside County near Beaumont and I-10 highlights the high risk to populated areas. Thanks to a rapid response from 50 firefighters and aerial support, it was fully contained by Tuesday morning.

Firefighting Efforts

A robust national response is currently underway. According to the NIFC Incident Management Situation Report, more than 5,200 wildland firefighting personnel are currently deployed to incidents nationwide. Resource commitments include 110 hand crews, 310 engines, and 55 helicopters actively engaged in suppression missions. Additionally, two Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) have been assigned to coordinate logistics, safety, and strategy on the most severe and complex incidents.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather conditions remain a critical concern across much of the United States. A high-pressure ridge is rebuilding across the West, bringing a dangerous warming and drying trend. Extreme heat, combined with relative humidity dropping into the single digits (10-20%) and westerly wind gusts up to 30 mph, is creating elevated to critical fire weather across the Great Basin and southern Intermountain West.

Red Flag Warnings have been extended in interior and eastern Alaska due to abundant thunderstorms, lightning, and highly receptive dry fuels. Fire managers nationwide are also closely monitoring for "holdover" or "sleeper" fires—lightning ignitions that smolder underground for days before erupting when temperatures rise and winds increase.

In the East, high temperatures in the 90s and drought impacts are elevating fire risks in the Carolinas, while scattered thunderstorms in Florida may bring gusty outflow winds and new ignitions.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Stay Informed: Rely on trusted sources for real-time updates. Visit InciWeb for interactive maps and specific incident details, or check your local emergency management agency's alerts.
• Heed Evacuation Orders: If you are in an area under an evacuation warning or order (such as Eureka, UT, or Oak Creek Canyon, AZ), follow the instructions of local law enforcement immediately. Do not wait to leave.
• Protect Your Health from Smoke: Wildfire smoke is a leading cause of poor air quality and can trigger severe reactions in vulnerable populations, particularly those with COPD or asthma. Keep windows closed, use indoor air purifiers, utilize the air recirculation button in your vehicle, and consult your healthcare provider if you experience breathing difficulties.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With the Fourth of July approaching, remember that fireworks easily ignite dry vegetation. Sparklers can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Please leave fireworks to the professionals and adhere to all local burn bans to protect our communities, infrastructure, and first responders.