National Wildfire Situation Report
Date: August 24, 2026
Source: Daily Summary Report

National Overview

The United States is currently at National Preparedness Level 5 (PL 5), the highest level of wildland fire activity and resource commitment. At PL 5, the federal government and state agencies are committing the highest possible level of crews, aircraft, and firefighting equipment to incidents across the country. Because resources are stretched thin, a national prioritization system is actively routing available crews to fires that pose the greatest risk to life, critical infrastructure, and populated areas.

The 2026 fire season has been exceptionally severe and is currently outpacing historical norms. Year-to-date, firefighters have responded to over 50,780 wildfires that have burned more than 7.8 million acres nationwide. This represents 129% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and a staggering 168% of the 10-year average for acres burned. Over the last 72 hours alone, approximately 200 new fires were reported nationwide, including up to 12 new large fires.

Significant Wildfire Situations

The Northwest continues to see the most extensive fire activity, though fires in the Great Basin and California are heavily impacting communities. Below is a summary of the most noteworthy fires and regions over the last 72 hours:

1. Reno, Nevada Area: A fast-moving, wind-driven, and human-caused wildfire has severely impacted the region over the weekend. Approximately 90,000 residents were urged to evacuate, and the blaze has left thousands of homes and businesses without power.
2. Spokane, Washington Region: Swiftly spreading wildfires that erupted earlier this month continue to deeply impact the area. The fires have displaced tens of thousands of people, damaged structures, and created hazardous air quality throughout the region.
3. Northern California Complex (ZF018-26): Currently one of the largest active incidents in the country, this massive complex has burned over 644,000 acres in Northern California.
4. Big Grass Fire (Malheur County, Oregon): A massive rangeland and brush fire that has consumed over 579,000 acres. Crews have made excellent progress over the last 72 hours, bringing it to 85% containment.
5. Crosswhite Fire (Wheeler County, Oregon): Another major Pacific Northwest incident, this fire has burned approximately 344,000 acres and is currently 87% contained.
6. Bug Fire (Lassen County, California): Having burned over 93,000 acres, this fire is now 94% contained, allowing some previously evacuated residents in surrounding areas to return home.
7. Pacific Northwest Region (General): Washington and Oregon remain the epicenter of national fire activity. There are currently 29 large fires burning in the region, requiring the deployment of 11 complex incident management teams.

Firefighting Efforts

There is a massive, coordinated response underway to protect communities and natural resources. According to the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) data, there are currently over 22,100 wildland firefighters and support personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. Firefighters are actively working to contain 86 large, uncontained fires across the country. Due to the PL 5 status, international partners and mutual aid from local, state, and federal agencies are heavily engaged, trading resources from fire to fire to ensure the most critical incidents receive adequate support.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a significant hurdle for suppression efforts. The predictive outlook indicates that above-normal temperatures will continue across much of the West.

• The Northwest & Great Basin: Following a brief cooling period, temperatures in the Northwest are warming back up to 80–95°F today, with relative humidity plummeting to 8–20%. Isolated mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are expected to develop across far northeast California, southeast Oregon, and the northern Great Basin, bringing the threat of new lightning-caused ignitions.
• The Southwest: Isolated to scattered monsoon thunderstorms will continue in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and northwest New Mexico. However, rainfall footprints will remain small due to extreme heat, offering little relief to dry fuels.
• Southern Plains: Very hot temperatures of 100–110°F will persist across southern Oklahoma and north Texas. Combined with relative humidity of 10–20% and locally breezy winds, this region is facing highly elevated fire conditions.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Monitor Air Quality: Heavy smoke from these large fires is affecting communities hundreds of miles away from the actual flames. Residents are encouraged to use Fire.airnow.gov to monitor local air quality. Limit your exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and keeping windows closed during periods of heavy smoke.
• Stay Ready for Evacuations: If you live in a fire-prone area—especially near active incidents in Nevada, Washington, Oregon, or California—monitor local emergency alerts closely. Have a "go-bag" packed with essential documents, medications, and supplies. If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: With national firefighting resources stretched to their absolute limit, preventing new fires is critical. Adhere strictly to local burn bans, avoid parking hot vehicles over dry grass, and do not use equipment that creates sparks outdoors during hot, dry, and windy conditions.
• Create Defensible Space: Homeowners in wildland-urban interface areas should take time to clear dry brush, leaves, and debris from around their homes and gutters to reduce the risk of stray embers igniting their property.