2026 Wildfire Season Running 46% Above Average Acres: 3.4 Million Acres Burned Nationally by July 8

The 2026 wildfire season is burning well above historical averages, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). As of July 8, 2026, a total of 37,783 wildfires have burned more than 3.4 million acres across the United States — representing 130% of the ten-year average number of fires and 146% of the ten-year average number of acres burned. Thirty-seven large fires are currently active across 14 states.

National Preparedness Level Elevated to 4

NIFC elevated the National Preparedness Level to 4 on June 29, 2026 — on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (highest mobilization). This level indicates that interagency firefighting resources are experiencing moderate to high mobilization pressure, with Incident Management Teams heavily engaged across the country. The preparedness level had been raised from 3 to 4 as conditions deteriorated in late June.

At Preparedness Level 4, resource ordering is more competitive and dispatch coordination is prioritized to ensure the most critical incidents receive the resources they need. Home-unit firefighters from across the country are being mobilized to regions experiencing the greatest need.

Active Large Fires by State

As of the July 8 NIFC Situation Report, the states reporting large fires include:

Alaska: 10 large fires
Utah: 4 (including the 100,479-acre Babylon Fire near Monticello — currently the nation's largest active fire)
Colorado: 4 (including the 93,916-acre Aspen Acres Fire and 57,356-acre Ferris Fire)
Nevada: 3
Idaho: 3 (including the Claremont Fire near Boise)
New Mexico: 3
California: 2
Washington: 2 (Chelan Hills, Mt. Tom Creek)
Oregon: 1 (North Cayuse Fire east of Pendleton)
Montana, Wyoming, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida: 1 each

Above-Normal Season Forecasted to Continue

NIFC Predictive Services noted that as of June 30, 3,168,102 acres had burned — already at 157% of the previous ten-year average. The August outlook period (July through October) indicates continued above-normal significant fire potential for much of the western United States, driven by persistent drought, above-normal temperatures, and an early snowpack melt.

The Pacific Northwest — including Oregon, Washington, and Idaho — was projected to see above-average wildfire risk throughout July, a forecast that is now being borne out with multiple destructive incidents across the region.

Washington State Doubles Firefighting Budget

In anticipation of a severe season, the Washington State Legislature appropriated $120 million for wildfire firefighting in 2026 — twice the previous year's budget. The funding supports additional pre-positioned resources, enhanced air assets, and expanded community protection programs. Washington's Department of Natural Resources has been at the forefront of early-season mobilization, including rapidly deploying strike teams to the Chelan Hills and Ryegrass Coulee fires.

Looking Ahead

Fire managers and meteorologists warn that July and August typically represent the peak of wildland fire activity across the Pacific Northwest. With fuels in critically dry condition, an active weather pattern bringing wind events, and above-normal temperatures in the extended forecast, all indicators point to continued high fire activity through the heart of the season.