Daily National Wildfire Summary Report
Date: May 31, 2026

National Overview

The National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 2 (PL 2). A PL 2 designation indicates that while local resources are managing the majority of incidents, there is significant wildland fire activity occurring across multiple geographic areas, and national support is beginning to be required to sustain incident management.

Currently, there are 18 uncontained large fires burning nationwide. So far this year, the United States has seen 29,023 fires that have burned more than 2.3 million acres. The current fire season is seeing elevated activity in the Southwest, Southern California, and the Southeast, driven by a combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and recent lightning activity.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, several large fires have required significant attention and resources. The following are the most noteworthy and impactful fires currently burning across the country, prioritized by size and community impact:

1. Herman Ranch Fire (Clark County, Kansas): The largest active fire, currently at 35,455 acres. Fire crews have made excellent progress, reaching 90% containment.
2. Pineland Road Fire (Clinch County, Georgia): Burning 32,031 acres. The fire is currently 95% contained, though it remains a notable event for the Southeast region.
3. Seven Cabins Fire (Lincoln County, New Mexico): Currently at 28,980 acres and 49% contained. This fire is highly impactful as it has prompted active evacuations in the surrounding areas.
4. Hwy 82 Fire (Brantley County, Georgia): Another major Southeast incident, burning 22,419 acres and currently 90% contained.
5. Santa Rosa Island Fire (Santa Barbara County, California): Located in Channel Islands National Park, this fire has burned 18,379 acres. Crews have achieved 97% containment.
6. Hummingbird Fire (Catron County, New Mexico): Burning 5,716 acres and is 87% contained.
7. Railroad Fire (Putnam County, Florida): Currently at 4,796 acres with 95% containment.
8. Shell Fire (Lake County, Florida): A rapidly developing situation at 2,822 acres and only 20% contained, requiring ongoing suppression efforts.
9. Bradshaw Fire (Powder River County, Montana): Currently at 2,689 acres with 0% containment, marking an emerging threat in the Northern Rockies.
10. Jericho Creek Fire (Powell County, Montana): Burning 2,068 acres and is 41% contained.

Firefighting Efforts

According to the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) report, there is a robust national response underway. More than 5,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel are currently deployed to incidents across the country. Additionally, one Complex Incident Management Team has been activated to support complex response efforts and coordinate logistics, aviation, and ground resources for the most severe fires.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical factor in ongoing suppression efforts. Red Flag Warnings—which indicate that warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are combining to produce an increased risk of extreme fire danger—are in effect for several vulnerable regions.

• The Southwest and Great Basin: These regions are experiencing the driest conditions in the country, with minimum relative humidity dropping into the single digits to 30%. Localized breezy conditions in the afternoons are exacerbating the risk of rapid fire spread.
• The Plains and Southeast: Lightning potential and coverage are highest across Texas and Oklahoma, extending eastward along the Gulf Coast into Georgia. Severe mixed wet and dry thunderstorms pose a significant risk of new natural ignitions.
• The West: While rainfall is predicted for some areas of the West and Northern Rockies in the coming days, it may be accompanied by dry lightning, which could spark new fires before the precipitation hits the ground.

Communities in areas under Red Flag Warnings should be on high alert, as any spark can quickly develop into a large, fast-moving wildfire.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

With the vast majority of wildfires in the United States being human-caused, public vigilance is your community's first line of defense.

• Prevent Sparks: Avoid parking vehicles on dry vegetation, ensure trailer chains are not dragging on the pavement, and completely extinguish all campfires and barbeques (drown with water and stir until cold to the touch).
• Heed Red Flag Warnings: If your area is under a Red Flag Warning, strictly adhere to local burn bans. Do not use lawnmowers or heavy machinery in dry brush, and never throw cigarettes out of moving vehicles.
• Prepare Your Home: Create "defensible space" around your property by clearing dead brush, leaves, and debris away from structures.
• Be Ready to Evacuate: If you live in a high-risk area, assemble a "Go Kit" with essential documents, medications, and supplies. Monitor local news and emergency notification systems, and always follow evacuation orders from your local fire department or law enforcement immediately.