Daily Wildfire Situation Report
Date: April 23, 2026

This report provides a high-level summary of the current wildfire situation across the United States, utilizing data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and other trusted state and federal forestry agencies over the last 72 hours.

National Overview

According to the latest National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) daily report (https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn), the National Preparedness Level currently sits at Level 2 (PL 2). This indicates that while active geographic areas are requiring national support, resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain operations without severely drawing down reserves.

The 2026 fire season has started catastrophically early and is proving to be historically severe. Year-to-date, over 20,900 fires have burned approximately 1.74 million acres across the United States. To put this into context, the year-to-date acreage burned is roughly 200% of the 10-year average for this time of year. This elevated early-season activity is largely driven by persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña, which have caused intensifying droughts, above-average temperatures, and historically dry vegetation—particularly across the Great Plains and the Southeastern United States. Currently, there are 23 uncontained large fires nationwide, with the vast majority of new activity concentrated in the Southern Area.

Significant Wildfire Situations

Over the last 72 hours, several noteworthy fires and regional outbreaks have severely impacted communities across the country. Below is a summary of the most impactful incidents:

1. Georgia Wildfire Outbreak (GA): Driven by severe drought, over 100 active fires are currently burning across the state. On April 22, a State of Emergency was declared for 91 counties. A fast-moving wildfire in Brantley County has tragically destroyed approximately 50 homes, while a large timberland fire in Clinch County is currently 10% contained.
2. South Florida Wildfires (FL): Several large fires are producing dense smoke that has disrupted regional travel, including stranding Amtrak passengers earlier this week. Notable incidents include the MM-45 Fire in Broward County (6,500 acres, 50% contained) and the Newman Dr Fire in Collier County (1,733 acres, 70% contained).
3. Qury Fire (SD): A significant blaze in Custer County, South Dakota, has burned 9,168 acres. Firefighters have made excellent progress, and it is currently 95% contained.
4. Nebraska Great Plains Fires (NE): Cattle country continues to be devastated by spring fires. While the record-breaking 642,000-acre Morrill Fire was contained last month, new ignitions remain a major threat. The Andrews Fire was reported on the evening of April 22 in the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest and is currently in the initial attack phase.
5. East Side Fire (MT): Ignited on April 20 south of Red Lodge, Montana. Firefighting resources from multiple jurisdictions, including aviation support, are actively working to suppress the blaze.
6. Woodbury Fire (SC): Burning in Marion County, South Carolina, this fire has reached 1,750 acres and is 60% contained.
7. STE - Alum Fire (KY): Located in McCreary County, Kentucky, this fire has burned 1,100 acres and is currently 60% contained.

Firefighting Efforts

Nationwide, there are currently 992 wildland firefighting personnel assigned to uncontained large fires. All incidents are being managed under a full suppression strategy. Resources deployed include wildland fire crews, engines, support personnel, helicopters, and specialized heavy equipment. Because the nation is at Preparedness Level 2, mobilization of resources from non-active geographic areas is occurring at a low-to-moderate rate. This ensures that highly active regions in the South and the Great Plains have the interagency support they need to protect communities.

Weather and Fire Conditions

Fire weather remains a critical concern. According to the NIFC situation report and predictive outlook (https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn), a new Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory has been issued for the Southeastern Area. Persistent dry weather and rapidly intensifying drought have resulted in historically dry fuels stretching from the southern Appalachians to the coastal Southeast.

Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisories also remain in place for the Central, Southern, and Northern Great Plains. In these regions, low precipitation, dry dormant grasses, and strong spring winds are creating highly volatile fire environments.

These conditions make initial attack and suppression efforts highly challenging for firefighters. For communities, the primary concern is the rapid spread of new ignitions and heavy smoke. In Georgia and Florida, dense smoke has blanketed several regions, prompting health advisories.

Information for Concerned Residents and Citizens

• Heed Local Warnings and Bans: With extreme drought conditions in many areas, strictly adhere to local burn bans. For instance, the Georgia Forestry Commission has issued a strict burn ban for 91 counties.
• Protect Your Health: If you live in areas affected by heavy smoke, local health officials advise keeping windows closed and staying indoors—especially individuals with chronic lung and heart conditions.
• Stay Informed: Monitor real-time, incident-specific details and evacuation notices through trusted local emergency management channels and InciWeb.
• Prevent Human-Caused Fires: As you enjoy the outdoors this spring, do so responsibly. Ensure trailer chains are not dragging, safely extinguish all campfires where permitted, and avoid parking hot vehicles over dry grass. Every prevented wildfire keeps firefighters and equipment ready for urgent natural ignitions.