Indiana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Indiana - July 23, 2026

Overview

Indiana currently faces a very low risk of local wildfires, largely due to typical mid-summer humidity and recent regional weather patterns. While the state is free of large active fires, it is being heavily impacted by smoke drifting from major wildfires outside the region. The National Preparedness Level remains elevated as national resources are heavily committed to fighting fires in the western United States and Canada, but Indiana's local agencies are operating at normal capacity and managing routine incidents without the need for national support.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently no large-scale active wildfires burning within the state of Indiana. Over the past 72 hours, local fire departments have handled only routine calls. The potential for new, significant wildfire starts remains well below normal for this time of year due to elevated fuel moisture levels.

Key Fires: There are currently no significant active wildfires threatening communities or values at risk in Indiana. When smaller brush or wildland fires do occur in the state during this season, they are typically fueled by dry grasses, agricultural debris, and understory hardwood timber brush. Fortunately, current high humidity and green vegetation are keeping these fuels from igniting easily.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management activities, including routine brush clearing, can proceed safely in most areas. There are currently no active county-level burn bans in effect across the state. However, residents are reminded to adhere to local, year-round restrictions on residential open burning and always check with local fire departments before initiating a burn.

Air Quality: The most critical event impacting the state over the last 72 hours is the severe degradation of air quality. Massive smoke plumes from wildfires in Ontario, Canada, and the western U.S. have been carried south by upper-level winds, pushing hazy skies across the state. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued Air Quality Action Days for northern, central, and northwest Indiana. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has reached "Unhealthy" and "Very Unhealthy" levels in several northern counties. This smoke is being compounded by ground-level ozone alerts triggered by the extreme summer heat and sunshine.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Indiana is enduring a hot and humid stretch, with temperatures in the 90s and high dew points prompting Heat Advisories across central Indiana. This elevated relative humidity is helping to keep 10-hour and 100-hour dead fuel moisture levels high enough to prevent rapid fire spread.

Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has not issued any Red Flag Warnings or Enhanced Fire Danger statements for the state. Fire weather threats are expected to remain minimal over the next 72 hours. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast, which will help clear the smoke, and winds are expected to remain well below the critical 20 mph sustained threshold required for rapid fire spread.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Because of the heavy wildfire smoke and elevated ozone levels, residents—especially sensitive groups such as children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease—are strongly advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Keeping windows closed and running HVAC systems with high-efficiency filters is recommended to reduce indoor smoke exposure during Air Quality Action Days.

Resource Allocation: Local fire departments are fully equipped and staffed to handle any minor brush fires that may occur. State resources remain focused on monitoring air quality impacts and managing the ongoing heatwave.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Wildfire: www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/wildfire
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (Air Quality): www.in.gov/idem/airquality

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.