Iowa Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Iowa - May 20, 2026

Overview

Iowa is currently seeing a significant decrease in fire risk due to widespread rain and severe weather moving across the state over the past 72 hours. While earlier this spring, dry conditions and high winds led to Red Flag Warnings and local burn bans, the recent heavy precipitation has dampened fine fuels and mitigated immediate fire weather concerns. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2, indicating that national resources are managing the situation effectively without heavy wildland fire support required.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, new wildland fire activity has been minimal across Iowa due to an influx of moisture and severe storms. There are currently 3 active fires statewide totaling roughly 622 acres, bringing the year-to-date season total to 21 fires and 1,371 acres burned. Firefighters and local agencies are focusing on monitoring existing fires and wrapping up spring land management activities.

Key Fires:

• Eagle Lake Fire: Located near Britt, this fire ignited on May 12 and is the largest active fire in the state, having burned 616 acres. It is primarily fueled by dormant, cured warm-season grasses and dry agricultural debris. Recent rains have greatly aided containment and suppression efforts.
• Tomahawk Fire: Located near Lake View, this fire has burned 200 acres and is being monitored by local crews.
• Hawkins 2 Fire: Located near Belle Plaine, this fire has burned 192 acres.
• Bingo Fire: A smaller, more recently ignited fire that started on May 14, currently kept to 2 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is concluding its spring prescribed burn operations, which typically run from mid-March through mid-May as weather conditions allow. Ongoing and recently completed burns have taken place in Dickinson County (including Spring Run and Cayler Prairie), Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Volga River State Recreation Area, and across the Clear Lake Wildlife Unit. These controlled burns are vital land management tools used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore native prairie communities, and reduce future wildfire potential.

Air Quality: Smoke produced from these controlled burns may be highly visible and dispersed over long distances. Residents near these recreation areas should be aware of potential smoke impacts, though recent rains have cleared much of the air.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Widespread recent rain and severe thunderstorms over the past few days have kept the fire danger low. For example, central Iowa recently experienced severe storms that prompted emergency responses for storm-related hazards rather than wildfires.
Forecasted Weather: No critical fire weather or Red Flag Warnings are anticipated over the next 72 hours. The weather pattern remains highly active with higher relative humidity (ranging from 50% to 80%) and continued chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms through the week. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs in the 60s and 70s and dropping into the 40s and 50s at night.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: While the wildfire risk is currently low, residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor local forecasts for severe thunderstorms, large hail, and potential tornado watches, as the current weather pattern is highly active. Residents should also adhere to any local open burning regulations and check with their local Fire Department or Emergency Management office before initiating any yard waste burns.
Resource Allocation: Local fire departments are currently navigating storm-related emergency calls and building fires. Agencies continue to utilize the wet conditions to safely conclude fuel mitigation projects.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Iowa State Fire Marshal Burn Ban Information: dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/burn-bans

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.