Guam Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Guam - April 22, 2026

Overview

Guam is currently experiencing a significant shift in emergency management priorities. While the island is in its seasonal dry period—which typically brings an elevated risk of wildland fires—the primary focus over the last 72 hours has been the arrival and aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. A Presidential emergency declaration was signed to support response efforts for this severe weather event. The heavy rainfall and flooding risk associated with the typhoon have drastically reduced the immediate wildfire threat.
The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national firefighting resources are currently adequate to meet demand, multiple geographic areas are experiencing active incidents that require assistance.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Recent fire activity on the island has been limited to smaller, routine grass and brush fires. Historically, humans cause all wildland fires on Guam, often through unpermitted backyard burning, hunting activities, or unauthorized agricultural land clearing. Local authorities continue to respond to these minor incidents to prevent them from spreading, but the recent severe weather has largely suppressed new fire starts. There are currently no large-scale, uncontained wildland fires threatening major population centers.

Key Fires:
There are currently no active large-scale wildfires in Guam.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: As part of the typhoon recovery efforts, the Guam Fire Department has authorized open burning for green waste only (such as vegetation and yard trimmings) without a permit. Residents choosing to burn must ensure piles do not exceed 5 feet by 5 feet, have a water source readily available for immediate extinguishment, and avoid burning near homes or materials that easily catch fire. Additionally, ten Green Waste Sites were opened across the island on April 20 to assist residents with clearing trees, limbs, brush, and grass. The Guam Fire Department has also temporarily waived fire permit requirements for the storage of limited quantities of gasoline and diesel fuel (up to 20 gallons) to support community preparedness through April 30.

Air Quality: With the authorization of green waste burning across the island for typhoon cleanup, localized smoke may impact residential areas. Residents are advised to be mindful of surrounding neighbors, as smoke conditions can shift with the wind. Those with respiratory sensitivities should exercise caution if nearby burning is occurring.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: There are currently no active Red Flag Warnings or Fire Weather Watches in effect for Guam. Following the passage of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the National Weather Service canceled the tropical storm warning and typhoon watch, and Guam has returned to Condition of Readiness (COR) 4, resuming normal operations. Current temperatures are in the low 80s with high humidity.
Forecasted Weather: Cloudy conditions with periodic light rain and high humidity (70-77%) are expected over the next several days. This moisture will continue to keep the fire danger low, though residents are advised to remain cautious of hazardous surf conditions and high risks of rip currents along the coast.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of local burning guidelines during the typhoon cleanup. If burning green waste, be courteous to neighbors regarding smoke conditions and wind direction, and notify the nearest fire station prior to ignition. It is crucial to properly secure waste loads and utilize the designated Green Waste Sites for larger debris rather than burning it.
Resource Allocation: Local emergency responders and government agencies are currently heavily focused on disaster recovery, debris removal, and restoring critical infrastructure such as power and water following the typhoon. Fire personnel are conducting site inspections and public education regarding safe green waste burning to prevent accidental fire spread.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Guam Homeland Security / Office of Civil Defense: ghs.guam.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.