Vermont Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - May 12, 2026

Overview

Vermont is currently experiencing an active spring fire season, driven by a period of warmer-than-average temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds. These conditions have rapidly dried out wildland fuels, leading to high and very high fire danger across the state. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national resources are managing, early-season wildfire activity is elevated across the country.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past week, including the last 72 hours, fire activity has been notably high for the region. Following recent Red Flag conditions, the state saw more than 25 new reports of wildland fires. The majority of wildland fires in Vermont during this spring season are human-caused, often resulting from escaped backyard debris burning. Firefighters and local wardens are actively managing these fast-moving fires.

Key Fires: While there are no massive, prolonged mega-fires currently threatening large population centers in Vermont, the sheer volume of new starts—over 25 recent wildland fires—requires significant local resources. These fires are primarily being fueled by dead grasses, fallen leaves, twigs, and dried organic matter that are typical of the post-snowmelt spring fire season. When ground water deficits are present, these fires can burn deep into the soil, consuming dried organic matter and requiring considerable effort to fully extinguish.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: In response to the elevated fire risk, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has issued a statewide order for all forest fire wardens to cease issuing burning permits. This burn ban is in effect through May 19, 2026, and is a cooperative effort with the Green Mountain National Forest.
Additionally, the Green Mountain National Forest recently announced plans to use prescribed fire to treat approximately 300 to 400 acres. These controlled burns are designed to reduce heavy accumulations of brush, restore critical wildlife habitat, and improve overall watershed conditions, though they are carefully timed around current weather restrictions.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Vermont has recently faced high to very high fire danger due to abnormally dry and warm spring conditions. The National Weather Service had previously issued Special Weather Statements and Red Flag Warnings for critical fire weather, characterized by low relative humidity and high winds with little to no precipitation.
Forecasted Weather: Relief is on the horizon. The forecast for the next 72 hours indicates a shift toward cooler, wetter weather. Rain showers are expected to move into the region starting Wednesday and continuing into Thursday, bringing much-needed moisture that will help moderate fire behavior and assist containment efforts.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the current burn ban and avoid any backyard open burning of debris, which is the leading cause of wildland fires in Vermont. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of fire spread, and remain vigilant. If a fire does start, call 911 immediately.
Resource Allocation: Local fire departments and town forest fire wardens are working diligently to respond to the recent influx of fire starts. The temporary halt on burn permits is intended to relieve pressure on these local resources and prevent new human-caused ignitions while conditions remain volatile.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Vermont Emergency Management: vem.vermont.gov
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation: fpr.vermont.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.