Vermont Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - April 21, 2026

Overview

Vermont is experiencing an elevated fire risk this spring due to a notably dry start to 2026. Currently, 78% of the region is classified as experiencing moderate to severe drought, which has created an abundance of dry, dormant vegetation ready to fuel brush fires. Despite these underlying drought conditions, recent weather systems have provided temporary relief across the state. The current Vermont Statewide Preparedness Level is 1, the Eastern Area Preparedness Level is 1, and the National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that local and geographic areas are managing incidents well.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: As of April 20, 2026, there have been 26 wildland fires reported statewide this year, burning a total of 144.15 acres. Fire activity over the last 72 hours has been minimal due to recent precipitation, and there are currently no major uncontained large wildfires threatening communities.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The U.S. Forest Service is actively conducting prescribed burns in the Green Mountain National Forest to maintain early successional wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous fuels (such as dry grasses and woody encroachment) that could feed future wildfires. Recently, a 28-acre parcel near the Woodstock and Pomfret town line along the Appalachian Trail was successfully burned. Depending on weather conditions, the Forest Service plans to continue prescribed fire operations through May on approximately 900 additional acres.

Burn Bans and Air Quality: There are currently no State-issued burning restrictions in Vermont. However, local conditions vary, and some municipalities have enacted their own rules. For instance, the Town of Brattleboro implemented a strict local burn ban earlier this month prohibiting all outdoor burning, including brush piles, burn barrels, and campfires. There are no major air quality alerts related to wildfire smoke in the state at this time.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A recent cold front has brought widespread rain and snow to central and northern Vermont over the last 48 hours. This unseasonably cold and wet weather has significantly saturated surface fuels, limiting fire weather concerns through the middle of the week.
Forecasted Weather: While conditions are currently wet, a drying trend is expected in the coming days. Relative humidity levels are forecast to drop below 30-40% later in the week. Although the recent moisture will keep fire danger moderate in the short term, the underlying drought means fire risks could rebound quickly as temperatures rise and winds increase.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Spring is the most common time for brush fires in Vermont, with 75% occurring during April and May. Since 85% of brush fires are human-caused, residents are urged to be extremely cautious. Always fully extinguish campfires, properly discard smoking materials, and ensure outdoor equipment is in good working order.
Regulatory Compliance: Open burning requires a "Permit to Kindle Fire." Residents must contact their local Town Forest Fire Warden to obtain a burn permit prior to any open burning—it is the law.

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: fpr.vermont.gov/wildland-fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.