Vermont Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - August 26, 2026

Overview

Vermont is currently experiencing low fire danger. Recent weather patterns, including scattered showers, have kept fuel moisture levels stable across the state's forests. As of late August 2026, the Vermont Statewide Preparedness Level sits at 1, reflecting minimal local fire activity and highly manageable conditions. The Eastern Area Preparedness Level is at 2, while the National Preparedness Level remains at the maximum level of 5, indicating that federal and national firefighting resources are heavily deployed to combat large wildfires across other parts of the country.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, Vermont has maintained a very quiet fire landscape with no new significant wildland fires reported. According to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the year-to-date totals remain remarkably low, with 66 fires having burned a total of 258.45 acres statewide. Firefighters and local agencies remain in a state of readiness but are not currently engaged in any large-scale suppression efforts within the state.

Key Fires:
There are currently no active large-scale wildfires in Vermont. Consequently, there are no communities or critical values at risk, and no major fuel types (such as timber or dry brush) are actively feeding significant flames.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
There are no state-issued burn bans currently in effect. However, residents must still contact their local Town Forest Fire Warden to secure a burn permit before conducting any open burning, as local restrictions may apply.

In significant land management news from the past 72 hours, the Vermont National Guard announced on August 25 the initiation of a formal wildland fire management program for its training lands, including the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site. Driven by recent drought years and growing climate risks, this program will implement the Department of Defense's fire management standards, focusing on fire prevention, suppression, and future prescribed burning. Meanwhile, the Green Mountain National Forest continues to plan its prescribed fire operations—such as the Northern Escarpment Project—to reduce hazardous fuels, clear overgrown vegetation, and restore wildlife habitats when seasonal weather windows allow.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The National Weather Service in Burlington reports scattered showers across central and northern Vermont today, bringing less than a quarter-inch of rain. Winds are currently out of the south to southwest but will shift to the northwest by the afternoon.
Forecasted Weather: There are no Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches, or high wind warnings in effect for Vermont. A drying trend is expected to begin on Wednesday, bringing clearer skies and slightly warmer temperatures into the upper 70s and low 80s. While this will dry out surface fuels, the overall fire danger is expected to remain low.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Even with low fire danger, residents are advised to practice strict fire safety. Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished and never leave permitted brush fires unattended. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires during drier periods.
Resource Allocation: With the National Preparedness Level at 5, local agencies are ensuring that state resources are prepared to assist nationally if requested, while continuing to monitor local forests and conduct fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.