Crews Contain Active Incidents as National Wildfire Activity Moderates

The nation sits at Preparedness Level 1 with minimal wildland firefighting resources committed, even as season-to-date activity remains significantly above the ten-year average in both total fires and burned area. Four uncontained large fires are currently managed nationwide across the Rocky Mountain, Eastern, and Southern regions. Cooler autumn weather and localized precipitation are helping suppression efforts across several active perimeters.

Significant Fires

• Foot Creek Fire (Wyoming) — Burning west of Buffalo in the Bighorn National Forest, this human-caused fire is being managed with engine crews dedicated to structure protection while evacuation readiness notices remain in effect for nearby cabins and homes. Forest emergency road closures and airspace restrictions remain active as crews reinforce lines with firing operations and drone reconnaissance.
• Prospect Fire (Oregon) — Firefighters and heavy machinery secured lines along the western flank after the fire sparked near Lake Billy Chinook and threatened area structures. Decreased fire activity allowed local authorities to downgrade evacuation notices covering neighboring addresses to an initial standby alert.
• Wild River Fire (New Hampshire) — Burning within the White Mountain National Forest near Gorham, crews have strengthened perimeter containment following assistance from cooler conditions and recent rain. Forest road and trail closures remain in effect throughout the drainage, though the Appalachian Trail remains open.

Conditions and Outlook

Significant fire potential is low across all regions nationwide as seasonal weather sets in. In the Pacific Northwest, early-week rain showers will transition into drier, milder afternoons with calming winds, while Wyoming fire areas face breezy conditions and low daytime humidity through the middle of the week. Southern California has seen Santa Ana winds subside, bringing calmer conditions to the Southwest.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Outdoor burning permits are temporarily suspended throughout the Lake Chinook Fire & Rescue district in Oregon. In California, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has rescinded fire restrictions across Alpine County due to cooling weather, though state residential burn permits remain mandatory.

What Residents Should Do

• Monitor official emergency management updates and maintain evacuation readiness in Johnson County.
• Respect Forest Service road and trail closures in the Bighorn and White Mountain national forests.
• Check local fire restrictions and confirm burn bans before conducting any outdoor burning.