Indiana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Indiana - April 29, 2026

Overview

Indiana is currently navigating its spring fire season. Thanks to recent rainfall and the ongoing spring green-up across the state, the overall wildfire threat is currently low. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that national wildland fire resources are stable and capable of sustaining incident operations without critical shortages.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, wildland fire activity has been minimal across Indiana. Recent precipitation has kept fuel moisture at manageable levels, and local rural and volunteer fire departments have been able to easily handle any isolated brush fires. There are currently no large, uncontained wildfires threatening communities or values at risk in the state.

Key Fires:
While there have been no major active fires in the last 72 hours, a significant brush fire occurred just prior to this period on April 24 in Madison County. The fire spread through a heavily wooded area with difficult terrain, ultimately requiring over 140 firefighters from Madison, Hamilton, Grant, Tipton, Henry, and Delaware counties to contain it. The primary fuels feeding fires in the state right now include dormant winter grasses, forest litter, and dead brush in wooded areas.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local agencies are taking advantage of the spring weather window to conduct prescribed burns. These controlled burns are essential for managing wildlife habitat, controlling invasive species, and reducing hazardous fuel loads that could otherwise feed summer wildfires. The DNR is also hosting workshops this spring to train private landowners on safe prescribed fire practices.

Burn Bans: As of April 28, 2026, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reports that there are currently 0 counties with active emergency burn bans. However, residents in Clark, Floyd, Lake, and Porter counties are reminded that there are year-round administrative restrictions on residential open burning.

Air Quality: With minimal active wildfires and favorable weather dispersion, air quality remains generally good across the state. Residents near ongoing prescribed burn areas may notice intermittent smoke or the smell of burning vegetation and are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure if smoke settles in their vicinity.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent rains have helped keep the fire weather threat low across Central Indiana, despite occasional afternoon drops in relative humidity (near 25-30%).
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Indianapolis forecasts mostly clear skies with a warming trend pushing temperatures into the upper 70s and lower 80s through Thursday. Southwest winds are expected to remain relatively light at 5 to 10 mph. A brief elevated fire weather risk may develop during the warmest and driest parts of the afternoon on Thursday before a cold front brings likely showers and a chance of thunderstorms on Friday.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Even with a generally low fire danger, residents should exercise caution with outdoor burning. If you must burn brush, wait for a day that is not windy, use a burn barrel or clear a wide perimeter, and remain by the fire at all times until it is completely extinguished.
Resource Allocation: Local volunteer and rural fire departments remain fully equipped and ready to respond to any new starts, with the state's Division of Forestry prepared to provide support if weather conditions unexpectedly dry out fuels.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Indiana Department of Homeland Security (Burn Ban Map): www.in.gov/dhs/burnban/
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Forestry): www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.