Vermont Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - May 20, 2026

Overview

Vermont is currently navigating its typical spring wildland fire season, a period when fire risk is elevated due to the drying of wildland fuels such as dead grasses, leaves, and twigs following winter snowmelt. Year-to-date, the state has recorded 56 wildland fires that have burned a total of 252.15 acres. The current Statewide Preparedness Level for Vermont is 2, aligning with the Eastern Area and National Preparedness Levels, which are also currently at 2.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has remained manageable but active, with the majority of incidents being smaller, human-caused fires. Debris burning remains the leading cause of wildland fires in the state. Local fire departments and state wildland fire crews are actively monitoring conditions and responding to new starts rapidly to prevent widespread growth.

Key Fires: Currently, there are no large-scale, extended-attack wildfires burning in Vermont. Recent fire activity has consisted of smaller localized brush and debris fires. These fires are primarily being fed by fine, dry surface fuels, including leaf litter, dead grasses, and deadwood that have dried out during recent warm spring spells.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: There are currently no state-issued burning restrictions or blanket burn bans in place, though local conditions vary and Town Forest Fire Wardens may implement local restrictions. The United States Forest Service is actively conducting prescribed burns in the Green Mountain National Forest, with plans to treat approximately 900 acres through the end of May, including areas in Windsor County. These controlled burns aim to maintain early successional wildlife habitat and reduce the potency of future wildfires by limiting available dry fuels.

Air Quality: Air quality across the state remains largely unaffected by wildfire smoke at this time.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across Vermont today feature partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low to mid-70s. There are currently no Red Flag Warnings in effect for the state.

Forecasted Weather: A transition in the weather pattern is underway over the next 24 to 48 hours, bringing increased cloud cover and a 35% to 40% chance of light rain showers. This incoming moisture is anticipated to help moderate the fire danger and raise humidity levels across the region.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are reminded that a "Permit to Kindle Fire" is legally required from your local Town Forest Fire Warden before conducting any open burning. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation strongly encourages residents to use alternative land management methods for yard waste—such as chipping, composting, or creating brush piles for wildlife—rather than open burning.

Resource Allocation: Fire suppression is provided by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to protect people, property, and natural resources. State Wildland Fire Specialists continue to provide operational support and specialized equipment to assist towns in suppressing wildfires as needed.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation - Wildfire Updates: fpr.vermont.gov/forest/wildland-fire/current-wildfire-situation-update
Vermont Town Forest Fire Warden Directory: fpr.vermont.gov/forest/wildland-fire/town-forest-fire-wardens

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.