Daily Wildfire Summary Report
Date: May 3, 2026

Here is your national wildfire summary report reflecting the current situation and data from the last 72 hours.

National Overview

The National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5). At this level, active geographic areas may require national support to accomplish incident management objectives, but resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain operations.

As we move further into spring, the 2026 fire season is already shaping up to be highly active. Year-to-date, the United States has seen 24,222 fires burn 1,847,151 acres. This has already surpassed the 10-year average for acres burned by this time of year. The Southern Area of the U.S. has been particularly hard hit by widespread drought and is currently operating at a regional Preparedness Level 4, seeing the most significant and destructive activity.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, the Southern United States has been the epicenter of the nation's most impactful wildfire activity. There are currently 20 uncontained large fires burning nationwide. Here is a summary of the most noteworthy active fires and regional situations, prioritized by size and impact:

1. Pineland Road Fire (Georgia): Currently the largest active incident, burning 32,569 acres in Clinch County. It is 23% contained.
2. Pressey Fire (Nebraska): Burning 9,141 acres in Custer County; currently 95% contained.
3. HWY 41 Fire (Florida): Burning 5,000 acres in Miami-Dade County near the Everglades with 0% containment.
4. Railroad Fire (Florida): Burning 4,796 acres in Putnam County; currently 80% contained.
5. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Burning 3,882 acres in Catron County with 0% containment. This fire highlights how quickly conditions can shift with high winds and dry fuels in the Southwest.
6. Bauman Fire (South Dakota): Burning 3,178 acres in Jackson County; currently 70% contained.
7. Sargent Fire (Florida): Burning 2,523 acres in Baker County; currently 81% contained.
8. Cow Creek Fire (Florida): Burning 2,364 acres in Levy County; currently 50% contained.
9. Gopher Fire (California): A newer ignition over the last 24 hours in Riverside County that has burned 67 acres and is 25% contained. While smaller in size, early-season fires in Southern California are highly notable due to the proximity to dense populations and weakening coastal moisture.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Incident Management Situation Report, there are currently nearly 2,400 to 2,500 firefighting personnel assigned to active incidents nationwide. Resources deployed across the country include two Complex Incident Management Teams, 30 hand crews, 251 fire engines, and 36 helicopters.

Firefighters and support personnel are working together across agencies to respond quickly and keep fires small. In preparation for the escalating summer season, the USDA recently confirmed that the Forest Service is prepared to mobilize over 28,000 wildfire responders and 22,000 contracted resources as the core summer fire season approaches.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Critical fire weather continues to challenge firefighting efforts. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings across multiple regions, including inland Broward County in Florida, where temperatures are nearing record highs in the lower 90s. Over the last few days, Red Flag Warnings have also swept from the Dakotas down to New Mexico and the Texas panhandle due to a dangerous combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, very low humidity (dropping to 4–14%), and strong wind gusts up to 45 mph.

These conditions mean that any fires that develop can catch and spread rapidly and erratically. Blustery winds are helping ignite and expand the fires in Georgia and Florida, blanketing parts of several states in smoke and leading to air quality warnings for affected communities.

According to the NIFC predictive outlook, warm and dry conditions will continue west of the Rockies. However, a stalled cold front will bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across eastern New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana, which may provide some relief. The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast will also receive rain and thunderstorms throughout the day as a weaker weather system moves through.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

May marks the start of Wildfire Awareness Month. With seasonal conditions becoming warmer and drier in many parts of the country, now is the time to take action:

• Heed Red Flag Warnings: Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be extremely careful with barbecue sparks, never throw cigarettes out of moving vehicles, and avoid parking cars on dry, grassy areas where a hot exhaust pipe could ignite a fire.
• Create Defensible Space: Clear dry brush, leaves, and debris from around your home and gutters to reduce the risk of embers igniting your property.
• Prepare a Go-Bag: If you live in a fire-prone area, ensure your emergency kit is packed with essentials, including important documents, medications, water, and supplies for pets.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local emergency agencies for evacuation orders and air quality alerts. For real-time, incident-specific details, InciWeb is the most current and reliable source for information on active wildfires across the country.