Vermont Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Vermont - July 13, 2026

Overview

Vermont is currently experiencing a low wildfire risk, typical for this time of year when the state's landscape is green and lush from summer precipitation. The Vermont Statewide Preparedness Level and the Eastern Area Preparedness Level both currently stand at 1. However, the National Preparedness Level is at 4, indicating that national and federal resources are heavily committed to managing large, complex wildland fire incidents in other parts of the country.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, wildland fire activity has remained quiet across Vermont. According to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, there have been 63 wildfires year-to-date, burning a total of 258 acres. Local fire departments and initial attack crews remain ready to respond to any new incidents.

Key Fires: There are currently no significant active wildfires burning in the state.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: There are no state-issued burning restrictions currently in place, though local conditions can vary. A major update in land management is the recent implementation of Act 162, which took effect on July 1, 2026. This emergency management bill modernizes fire management by automatically designating local fire chiefs as town forest fire wardens. As departments adapt to these new responsibilities, residents must ensure they contact their local Town Forest Fire Warden to obtain a burn permit prior to any open burning. Additionally, the Green Mountain National Forest is drafting the Northern Escarpment Project, an ecological restoration plan aiming to reintroduce prescribed fire to oak woodlands along Chandler Ridge in the coming years.

Air Quality: Air quality remains generally good across the state. Residents can monitor current air quality forecasts, including any potential out-of-state wildfire smoke impacts, using AirNow.gov.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A recent cold front has moved through the region, tapering off shower activity. Skies are clearing with light north winds around 10 mph, though channeled flow in the Champlain Valley could bring gusts up to 15 mph. Temperatures are comfortably in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Forecasted Weather: Continued dry weather is expected through the weekend. However, a shift to hot and humid conditions is anticipated by Tuesday, with severe thunderstorms likely Tuesday evening. Fire personnel will be monitoring these storms closely, as lightning strikes could serve as potential ignition sources in dead or punky wood.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Even with low fire danger, residents are advised to remain vigilant. Burning debris is the leading cause of wildland fires in Vermont. Always obtain a permit to kindle from your Town Forest Fire Warden before burning legal materials like tree limbs and branches, and consider alternatives like chipping or composting to reduce fuel loads on your property.

Resource Allocation: Local agencies continue to train and prepare for wildland fire responses, while state forestry officials are working to support municipalities and fire chiefs through the transition brought on by Act 162.

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.