The United States wildland fire community is operating at National Preparedness Level 4 — the second-highest level on a 1–5 scale — as 35 large fires burn across 12 states, consuming a combined 529,468 acres. The NIFC elevated the national preparedness level to 4 on June 29, 2026, reflecting the significant demand on suppression resources.

Year-to-Date Statistics Well Above Average

As of July 6, 2026, the nation has recorded 37,209 fires that have burned more than 3.3 million acres. Compared to the same period in recent years:

  • 2026 (to date): 37,209 fires / 3,330,901 acres
  • 2025: 36,156 fires / 2,098,727 acres
  • 2024: 22,944 fires / 2,759,113 acres
  • 2023: 25,163 fires / 702,608 acres

The 2026 season is tracking notably above the 10-year average in both fire count and total acreage burned.

Where the Fires Are

The current large fire inventory spans 12 states, with the heaviest activity concentrated in:

  • Alaska: 8 fires, including the Michigan Fire (1,446 acres) and Mud Fire (1,733 acres)
  • Utah: 5 fires, led by the massive Cottonwood Fire at 95,807 acres (47% contained) and the Babylon Fire at 90,445 acres (0% contained)
  • Colorado: 4 fires, including the Aspen Acres Fire at 89,054 acres and the Ferris Fire at 47,780 acres
  • Oregon: 2 fires — the North Cayuse (4,000 acres) and Antelope Creek (1,261 acres)
  • Washington: 2 fires — the Chelan Hills (9,735 acres) and Navarre Coulee (300 acres, 80% contained)
  • Idaho: 1 fire — the Shingle Creek Fire (628 acres, 80% contained) near Riggins

Resource Demand and Initial Attack Priority

NIFC emphasized Monday that despite the large fire load, early suppression of new starts remains a critical objective. The vast majority of wildfires are contained within 24 hours of discovery — in the initial attack phase. Strategic prepositioning of firefighters and equipment in high-risk areas is essential during the peak of fire season.

With 274 new fires reported on July 6 alone — a notable single-day spike — the surge in initial attack demand is stretching resources in multiple geographic areas simultaneously.

National Fire Week of Remembrance

July 6 marked the final day of the 2026 National Wildland Fire Week of Remembrance, during which the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) honored firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This year's remembrance highlighted incidents from the 2016 fire season, with daily tributes shared across NWCG communications channels.