The 2026 wildfire season has become one of the most destructive in United States history, with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reporting that firefighters have responded to more than 52,767 wildfires that have burned in excess of 8.2 million acres as of September 3, 2026. That figure represents 125% of the 10-year average number of fires and 161% of the 10-year average for acres burned — a staggering toll that has stretched federal and state firefighting resources to their limits.

National Preparedness Level 5

The National Preparedness Level (PL) reached Level 5 — the highest possible designation — reflecting the extreme demand for firefighting resources across the country. At PL5, virtually all available national firefighting resources, including Hotshot crews, air tankers, Incident Management Teams, and retardant-dropping aircraft, are committed or reserved for committed incidents.

As of September 3, 19,102 to 20,245 firefighters and support personnel were assigned to wildfire incidents nationwide, battling 78 large fires across 15 states. Washington leads all states with 14 large active fires, followed by Idaho with 13 and Montana with 10. Oregon has nine large fires currently burning.

A Season of Historic Proportions

Year-to-date comparisons underscore the severity of 2026:

  • 2026 (through Sept. 3): 52,767 fires / 8,272,749 acres
  • 2025 (same period): 47,413 fires / 4,173,193 acres
  • 2024 (same period): 34,373 fires / 6,492,031 acres
  • 2021 (same period): 43,250 fires / 5,024,744 acres

The 2026 season has already surpassed 2024's total by more than 1.78 million acres burned through the same date in the season, with weeks of fire weather still remaining.

New Federal Firefighting Structure

The 2026 season is also the first full season under the newly created United States Wildland Fire Service (USWFS), which reorganized federal wildland firefighting operations and introduced significant changes to pay scales and working conditions. Changes this year include hazard pay on prescribed fire assignments — a long-sought improvement for the wildland firefighting workforce. Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, an advocacy organization, continues to push for additional pay reforms and better retention measures.

Drought as the Underlying Driver

More than two-thirds of the western United States is experiencing drought conditions of varying intensity. In Oregon, more than half the state is facing severe drought (Level 2 of 4), with roughly 20% under extreme drought (Level 3 of 4). Similar conditions persist across much of Washington, Idaho, and the broader West.

Fire officials and climate scientists alike point to persistent drought, above-normal temperatures, and years of accumulated dry fuels as the primary drivers of the 2026 season's severity. September is National Preparedness Month, and NIFC is encouraging communities across the nation to take steps now to reduce their wildfire risk — from creating defensible space to developing household evacuation plans.