Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: April 15, 2026

National Overview

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) remains at National Preparedness Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5). This level indicates that while local geographic areas are managing most incidents, national resources are actively being drawn upon to support regions experiencing high fire activity.

The 2026 fire season is already proving to be highly active and destructive, running significantly hotter than average. Driven by a widespread "snow drought" in the Western U.S. (where snowpacks are less than 25% of normal) and an ongoing drought covering more than half the country, the landscape is primed for ignition. Earlier this year, the nation witnessed historic, record-breaking blazes, including a massive February fire in the Texas Panhandle and the devastating 642,000-acre Morrill Fire in Nebraska in March. As we move through April, the primary focus of fire activity has shifted toward the Southern Plains, the Southeast, and the Rocky Mountain regions.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, 11 new large incidents were reported. The following are the most impactful and noteworthy active fires across the country:

1. Newman Drive Fire (Collier County, Florida): Burning approximately 1,733 acres and currently 40% contained. This fire is exhibiting extreme behavior, including rapid running and long-range spotting. Evacuations are in effect as multiple residences are threatened.
2. Hilux Fire (Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida): Burning in southern rough and timber. It is showing moderate fire behavior, but numerous structures remain threatened.
3. Buffalo Gap Fire (South Dakota): A significant early-season blaze that has burned approximately 5,400 acres.
4. Schwachheim Fire (Las Animas, Colorado): A fast-moving fire near the New Mexico border that has burned over 1,000 acres and is currently 0% contained.
5. Highway 36 Fire (Yuma, Colorado): Another major Colorado incident that has quickly consumed 1,000 acres.
6. Sunny Fire (Osage County, Oklahoma): Exhibiting active fire behavior, including running and flanking through grass and timber, with structures currently threatened.
7. Horny Toad Fire (Texas Panhandle): An active large fire contributing to the elevated emergency posture across the Southern Plains.
8. Glen Ferris Fire (West Virginia): A notable active large fire highlighting the unusually dry conditions extending into parts of the Eastern United States.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the latest NIFC Incident Management Situation Report, there are currently 22 uncontained large fires being actively managed nationwide.

To combat these blazes, a total of 852 firefighting personnel are currently deployed. On-the-ground and aerial resources include 13 hand crews, 105 fire engines, and 8 helicopters. While no national Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMTs) are currently committed, local and interagency crews are heavily engaged in full suppression strategies to protect threatened communities and infrastructure.

Weather and Fire Conditions

A volatile mix of weather conditions is driving current fire risks. Red Flag Warnings and elevated fire weather conditions are active across the Southern Plains—including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. A dangerous combination of gusty winds, soaring temperatures, and alarmingly low relative humidity (dropping to 15-30% in some areas) is exacerbating fire hazards and making containment efforts incredibly difficult for ground crews.

Looking ahead, the NIFC's predictive outlook forecasts above-normal temperatures across most of the U.S. through the spring and summer. The severe "snow drought" in the West, combined with expanding drought conditions in the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and the Southeast (specifically Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas), indicates that communities should brace for an extended, highly active fire season.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

As fire activity increases nationwide, public safety and preparation are critical:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news, emergency broadcasts, and official sources like InciWeb for real-time updates on fires in your area.
• Heed Evacuation Orders: If you are in an area under an evacuation warning or order—such as parts of Collier County, Florida—prioritize your life and safety by leaving immediately.
• Practice Firewise Habits: You can protect your home by creating defensible space. Clear dead brush, leaves, and flammable materials from around your property to reduce ignition risks.
• Observe Local Restrictions: Strictly adhere to local fire restrictions. Several states, including New Mexico and Wyoming, have already implemented strict bans on campfires, fireworks, and outdoor burning to prevent human-caused ignitions.
• Report Fires: If you see smoke or a suspected wildfire, call 911 immediately. Early detection is the most effective way to keep a small fire from becoming a large-scale disaster.