The 2026 wildfire season continued its record-setting pace this week, with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reporting more than 8.5 million acres burned across the United States as of September 18 — a figure 146% above the 10-year average and placing 2026 on track to be the most destructive fire year in over a decade.

Firefighters across the country were working to contain 50 large, uncontained fires as of Friday, with more than 12,000 personnel assigned to incidents nationwide. That workforce includes 229 crews, 625 engines, and 70 helicopters — a significant mobilization reflecting both the scale of this season and the nation's ongoing firefighting capacity demands.

National Preparedness Level 3

The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) has maintained the National Preparedness Level (NPL) at 3 — on a scale of 1 to 5 — since early September, signaling that multiple regions continue to compete for limited suppression resources. While the Pacific Northwest has seen some relief from recent precipitation, the southern Plains, Mid-Mississippi Valley, and Rocky Mountain regions remain active.

Year-to-Date Statistics

From January 1 through September 18, a total of 56,289 fires have been recorded, burning 8,523,213 acres. By comparison, the same period in 2025 saw 50,328 fires burn 4,438,417 acres — meaning 2026 has burned nearly twice as many acres at this point in the year. The 10-year average for this date is approximately 44,745 fires and 5.8 million acres, meaning this year's acreage is running 146% above average.

Where the Fires Are

As of September 18, the states with the most active large fires include:

  • Washington: 9 large fires
  • Texas: 6 large fires
  • Oregon: 6 large fires
  • Idaho: 6 large fires
  • California: 5 large fires
  • Montana: 5 large fires
  • Oklahoma: 4 large fires
  • Colorado: 4 large fires

Combined acreage from all currently active fires totals approximately 1.29 million acres.

Recent Activity

On September 17 alone, 53 new fires were reported nationwide, including two new large incidents. Six fires were contained that day, a modest but meaningful step toward reducing the overall incident count. NIFC noted that many fires across the West are showing minimal fire behavior following recent precipitation, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the northern Rockies. However, above-normal temperatures in the southern Plains and southeastern Appalachians — with relative humidity at 20–35% and breezy south winds — are keeping fire danger elevated in those regions.

Looking Ahead

With fire season continuing well into September and historically active October conditions possible in parts of the West, NIFC and state agencies are not yet standing down their resources. Isolated thunderstorms developing in central Idaho and the northern Rockies could bring both lightning ignitions and needed moisture. Residents across fire-prone regions are reminded to remain vigilant, maintain defensible space around structures, and comply with active burn bans and land closures. For the latest national fire information, visit nifc.gov or InciWeb.