The United States is experiencing one of its most intense wildfire seasons on record, with 70 large fires burning across 15 states and more than 1.6 million acres currently in flames as of July 24, 2026. The Pacific Northwest sits at the epicenter of the crisis, with Oregon accounting for 20 large fires — the highest of any state in the nation — and Washington contributing an additional five major incidents.
Nationally, 21,171 firefighters and support personnel are engaged in wildfire suppression operations, deploying 478 crews, 1,161 engines, and 128 helicopters. The scale of the response reflects the severity of a season that has already burned more than 3.9 million acres across the country since January 1 — a figure well ahead of recent-year comparisons.
Year-to-Date Comparisons Paint Alarming Picture
Through July 23, 2026, 41,377 fires have ignited across the United States, scorching 3,912,187 acres. That compares to 39,169 fires and 2,985,155 acres burned through the same date in 2025 — a roughly 31 percent increase in total acres burned year-over-year.
The figures underscore what fire managers and meteorologists have been warning about all season: an unusually dry spring, record heat in June, and a persistent high-pressure ridge over the West have left fuels critically desiccated heading into the peak of fire season.
Oregon Leads the Nation in Active Large Fire Count
Oregon's 20 large fires include several major incidents burning simultaneously in the central and eastern portions of the state. The Brewer Fire in the Ochoco National Forest has grown to nearly 30,000 acres, while the adjacent Box Springs Fire has eclipsed 15,000 acres. The Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters continues to threaten residential areas in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. Further east, the Cow Camp Complex near the Malheur-Baker County line has burned more than 8,000 acres, while the Egypt Fire northwest of Burns in Harney County has consumed approximately 4,700 acres.
Washington and Idaho Also Active
Washington is reporting five large fires, led by the Kaiser Canyon Fire on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Okanogan County. That fire has grown to more than 79,000 acres with zero containment and has prompted FEMA to authorize federal suppression funds. Idaho is tracking three large fires, with smoke from regional fires creating serious air quality problems across much of the Treasure Valley.
What Comes Next
Fire weather forecasters are offering little comfort. Isolated to scattered wet and dry thunderstorms are expected across Washington and the Northern Rockies today, while relative humidity will fall to 10 to 15 percent across southwestern Idaho and southern Oregon — conditions that historically produce rapid fire spread. Temperatures at lower elevations in those areas are expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Residents across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are urged to sign up for local emergency alert systems, know their evacuation routes, and monitor air quality conditions continuously at fire.airnow.gov.