2026 Fire Season by the Numbers: 84 Large Fires Burning Nationwide, Pacific Northwest Bears Heavy Load

As of September 2, 2026, firefighters across the United States are battling 84 large fires that have collectively scorched nearly 4 million acres of active fire ground. The Pacific Northwest — encompassing Oregon, Washington, and Idaho — is at the epicenter of this year's extraordinary fire season, accounting for 38 of those large fires and demanding the largest share of national suppression resources.

By the Numbers

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported the following statistics through September 2:

52,626 wildfires responded to in 2026, compared to 47,183 during the same period in 2025
8,265,751 acres burned year-to-date — 163% of the 10-year average
84 large fires currently active across 16 states
3,935,537 acres burning in active fire perimeters
20,245 firefighters and support personnel assigned nationwide
Five new large fires reported on September 1 alone

Pacific Northwest Leads the Nation

Idaho tops the national count with 14 large fires, tied with Washington state. Oregon adds 10 more, making the three-state region collectively the busiest fire zone in the country. Montana, also in the Northwest coordination area, is managing 11 large fires of its own.

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) in Portland, which coordinates Oregon and Washington fire resources, is operating at Preparedness Level 4. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5 — the highest possible — a designation that has been in place since July 18, 2026.

Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisories Active

NIFC has issued active fuels and fire behavior advisories for Southwest Idaho and across the Pacific Northwest region, reflecting critically dry vegetation and elevated ignition and spread potential. These advisories signal that fuels are primed to support extreme fire behavior if ignition sources and wind events combine.

Weather Outlook

According to NIFC's September 2 briefing, cooler weather with developing rain is offering some relief to the Northwest, helping to moderate conditions and contain some fire growth. However, isolated to scattered thunderstorms remain possible across the northern Great Basin into the Northern Rockies — raising the threat of new lightning ignitions in already stressed fuel beds.

Across the broader West, breezy southwesterly winds, low relative humidity of 5–20%, and hot temperatures continue to drive active fire behavior in California, Nevada, and the Great Basin.

Looking Ahead

At the start of September, the National Interagency Coordination Center released its updated National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for the fall months. Residents and land managers in the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to monitor local fire agency websites and sign up for emergency alert systems as fire potential remains elevated into the first weeks of September.