Indiana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Indiana - April 9, 2026

Overview

Indiana is currently experiencing a low wildfire risk due to recent heavy rainfall and localized flooding that impacted the northern and central parts of the state over the past 72 hours. Unlike western states, extreme wildfires are rare in Indiana, and the recent influx of moisture has kept dead fuel flammability well below critical levels.
The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while there is steady fire activity nationally, resources are currently adequate to manage ongoing incidents without severe strain.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently no significant active wildland fires threatening communities in Indiana. The state saw substantial precipitation over the Easter weekend, which has significantly dampened wildland fire potential. Firefighters and local emergency responders are operating under normal conditions, with the primary focus shifting toward prescribed burns and standard emergency responses rather than large-scale wildfire suppression.

Key Fires:
Miller 3 Fire: Located near the Port of Indiana and Indiana Dunes National Park, this wildfire started earlier in the month and reached 425 acres. It is currently fully contained and controlled, with no additional growth reported over the last several days. The fire was primarily fueled by dune grasses, light brush, and oak savanna vegetation typical of the Great Lakes fire management zone.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: With the spring season underway, land management agencies are taking advantage of favorable burn windows to manage fuel loads and restore ecosystems.

• Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve: The City of Fishers successfully conducted a prescribed burn on April 8 across the 127-acre preserve. This burn was designed to restore native habitats and control invasive plant species.
• Indiana Dunes National Park: The National Park Service is conducting spring prescribed fires expected to cover approximately 1,105 acres, including areas like Cowles Dune and Mnoké Prairie. These burns are designed to reduce the risk of summer wildfires and protect structures by maintaining defensible space. The Tolleston East Prescribed Fire was successfully completed just prior to the recent rains.
• Land Management Training: Indiana continues to expand its Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) Program, training local landowners and agencies on safe fire application in hardwood timber litter and grassland fuel models.

Air Quality: While the overall wildfire risk is low, residents near prescribed burn areas—such as Fishers and the Indiana Dunes—may notice occasional smoke or the smell of burning vegetation. Officials advise limiting prolonged outdoor exposure if smoke is present in your immediate vicinity.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent heavy rainfall has led to localized flooding in northern Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio. This wet weather has saturated the ground, significantly lowering the fire danger across the region.
Forecasted Weather: The short-term forecast includes continued moisture and cooler spring temperatures, keeping the fire threat minimal. There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or critical fire weather advisories in effect for Indiana.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: While the wildfire risk is currently low, residents are encouraged to stay informed about local prescribed burns, which are essential for ecosystem health and reducing future hazardous fuel loads. If you must burn yard debris, ensure you follow all local open burning laws, keep fires at least 25 feet away from structures, and never leave a fire unattended.
Resource Allocation: Local and state resources are operating under normal conditions and are not strained. Agencies continue to focus on training and conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas before the warmer, drier summer months arrive.

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 (IDHS): www.in.gov/dhs
Indiana DNR Fire Program: www.in.gov/dnr/forestry

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.