Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: May 15, 2026
Source: Aggregated from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service (NWS), and state forestry departments.

National Overview

The National Preparedness Level currently stands at Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5). This indicates a moderate but persistent level of wildfire activity across multiple geographic areas, with adequate national resources available to manage current incidents.

As of mid-May 2026, the United States is experiencing an unusually active early fire season. Year-to-date, approximately 25,560 wildfires have burned over 1.88 million acres nationwide. This represents a staggering increase compared to recent years, standing at nearly 194% of the 10-year average for acres burned to date. The surge in early-season activity is largely driven by persistent drought conditions, an unprecedented early heatwave, and critically dry vegetation in the Southern and Southwestern regions.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has been concentrated heavily in the Southeast, Southwest, and emerging hotspots in California. Below are the most impactful and noteworthy fires currently burning (limited to the top 10):

1. Pineland Road Fire (Georgia): The largest active incident in the country, burning 32,575 acres in Clinch County. Crews have achieved 70% containment.
2. Hwy 82 Fire (Georgia): Burning 22,471 acres in Brantley County, currently 90% containment.
3. Rowlee Fire (California): A rapidly developing and highly impactful fire near the Kern-Tulare county line. It has burned 2,519 acres with 0% containment and has forced immediate evacuation orders for the surrounding zones.
4. Hummingbird Fire (New Mexico): Burning 5,650 acres in the Gila National Forest (Catron County). Firefighters have made excellent progress, reaching 76% containment despite dry fuels and gusty winds.
5. Railroad Fire (Florida): Located in Putnam County, this fire has burned 4,796 acres and is 96% contained.
6. Cow Creek Fire (Florida): Burning 2,364 acres in Levy County, currently 60% contained.
7. Canyon Fire (California): Another notable emerging fire in Kern County, currently burning 2,000 acres with 20% containment.
8. 311 Konza Fire (Kansas): A significant plains fire burning 1,446 acres in Geary County.
9. Guide Fire (South Dakota): Burning 1,104 acres in Oglala Lakota County, currently 80% contained.
10. Dennis Fire (California): A newly ignited wildfire reported on the morning of May 15 in Siskiyou County. It is currently under initial attack by local and state fire personnel.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the latest NIFC Incident Management Situation Report, there are currently 31 active large wildland fire incidents being managed nationwide. To combat these blazes, 1,683 firefighting personnel are currently deployed across the country. These brave men and women are supported by a robust network of interagency resources, including aviation units, engine strike teams, and specialized hand crews.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Critical fire weather is a major concern heading into the weekend, complicating suppression efforts and increasing the risk of new ignitions.

• Red Flag Warnings & Extreme Fire Danger: The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings across multiple regions. In the Midwest, the Wisconsin DNR issued a Red Flag Warning for 11 northern counties due to warm temperatures, exceptionally low humidity, and gusty winds. Similar high-wind and low-humidity conditions are battering the Plains, specifically the Dakotas, Iowa, and Nebraska, with wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph.
• Dry Lightning Threat: Western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle are facing triple-digit temperatures and single-digit humidity. Isolated dry thunderstorms are forecast for the region, bringing a severe risk of lightning-ignited fires over highly receptive, dry rangeland fuels.
• Predictive Outlook: The NIFC's predictive outlook indicates that above-normal significant fire potential will continue through the end of May for the coastal Southeast (Florida and Georgia) and the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah).

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With nearly 85% of all wildfires in the United States being human-caused, public cooperation is vital.

• Heed Local Restrictions: Strictly follow local fire restrictions and burn bans. For example, all debris and broadcast burning permits have been suspended in 26 counties in Wisconsin, and seasonal fire restrictions have taken effect on BLM-administered lands in the Pacific Northwest.
• Prevent Sparks: Avoid activities that can create sparks. Ensure trailer chains are not dragging on the pavement, do not park vehicles on dry grass, and ensure any permitted campfires are fully extinguished (drowned, stirred, and felt to ensure they are cold).
• Create Defensible Space: If you live in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), take time this weekend to clear dead leaves, pine needles, and debris from your roof, gutters, and the immediate perimeter of your home to protect against flying embers.
• Stay Prepared: Residents in high-risk areas—particularly in parts of California, the Southwest, and the Plains—should have an evacuation "go-bag" ready with essential documents, medications, and supplies. Never wait for a mandatory evacuation order if you feel your safety is threatened.