Indiana Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Indiana - April 21, 2026

Overview

Indiana is currently in its peak spring fire season, a period when dormant vegetation, gusty winds, and escaped burn piles typically combine to create the highest annual ignition risks. However, recent and ongoing unsettled weather, including scattered showers and earlier rainfall, has helped moderate the immediate wildfire threat across the state. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while active geographic areas are experiencing localized fire activity, overall national resource capability remains stable enough to sustain incident operations without critical shortages.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently no large, uncontained wildfires reported in Indiana over the last 72 hours. Thanks to recent rainfall and elevated humidity, wildland fire activity remains minimal and well within the control of local rural and volunteer fire departments, with the state's Division of Forestry acting in a support capacity.

Key Fires:
There are no significant active wildland fires threatening communities or values at risk in Indiana at this time. The state's fire landscape is typically defined by fast-moving grassfires in the flat, agricultural north and fires fueled by forest litter and dead brush in the hilly, heavily forested southern third.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Spring is a critical window for land management activities in the region. The Indiana Dunes National Park is conducting prescribed fires this spring across approximately 1,534 acres to restore native habitats, remove invasive species, and manage fuel loads. Additionally, the City of Fishers recently conducted a prescribed burn at the Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve to reduce excess vegetation and promote native plant growth. A recently implemented state law has also expanded Indiana's prescribed fire capacity by establishing a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Program to enhance the safe application of prescribed fire across the state.

Air Quality: With minimal active wildfires and favorable dispersion from recent weather fronts, air quality remains generally good across the state. Smoke from localized prescribed burns may briefly impact nearby areas, but no widespread public health advisories are in place.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Minimum relative humidity dropped below 30 percent in central Indiana yesterday, but winds remained relatively light, mitigating extreme fire spread.
Forecasted Weather: Warmer air is returning today, bringing wind gusts over 20 mph and minimum humidity levels near 30 percent for some areas. A Red Flag Warning was in effect over the weekend due to northwest winds gusting up to 35 mph and relative humidity dropping as low as 14 to 20 percent. While conditions have slightly improved, the combination of breezy winds and dry fuels can still create marginal fire weather conditions. Showers and a chance of thunderstorms are forecast for later in the week, which will further aid in keeping fire danger low.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to use caution if working with flammable materials outside or conducting agricultural burning, as brush fires can still ignite and spread in breezy, dry conditions. It is crucial to check local weather forecasts and avoid outdoor burning during periods of high winds and low humidity.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and land managers are utilizing the favorable spring conditions to conduct fuel mitigation projects and prescribed burns to clear high-risk areas and restore native ecosystems.

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 - Fire Management: www.in.gov/dnr/forestry
National Weather Service - Indianapolis (Fire Weather): www.weather.gov/ind/fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.