The United States wildfire situation reached a critical threshold this week, with the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reporting 46 uncontained large fires burning across all 10 geographic areas as of July 14, 2026. The country has been at National Preparedness Level 4 — the second-highest on a five-level scale — since June 29, reflecting the broad strain on the nation's firefighting workforce and resources.

By the Numbers

The scope of the 2026 wildfire season is significant. As of July 14:

  • 39,354 fires have burned across the United States year-to-date
  • 3,616,860 acres consumed since January 1 — more than 1 million acres ahead of the same date in 2025 (2,570,619 acres)
  • 46 large fires currently uncontained nationwide
  • nearly 17,000 firefighting personnel assigned to active incidents
  • 109 new fires reported on July 13 alone, including 5 new large fires
  • Fires burning in all 10 Geographic Areas, including the Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest and Rockies Among the Hardest Hit

Oregon leads the PNW with five large fires on the national roster, while Idaho accounts for four and Washington has one. The Rocky Mountain area is also heavily engaged, with Colorado reporting five large fires, including the Gold Mountain Fire (36,788 acres, 12% contained) near Ouray and the Ferris Fire (64,869 acres, 29% contained) on the San Juan National Forest.

Alaska continues to carry a significant portion of the national fire load, with nine large fires burning on state and federal lands. California has five large fires, including the Elephant Fire on the Tahoe National Forest (12,303 acres, 5% contained).

Helicopter Pilot Fatality on Colorado Fire

The wildland fire community is mourning the death of a contract helicopter pilot who was fatally injured in an aircraft accident on the Gold Mountain Fire near Telluride, Colorado on July 12. NIFC has extended condolences to the pilot's family, friends, and colleagues. Aviation resources are a critical component of the firefighting system, and accidents like this underscore the dangerous conditions crews face daily.

Air Resources Bolstered

To help manage increased national demand for aerial firefighting capacity, two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) C-130 airtankers and support personnel from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing remain deployed to San Bernardino and Santa Maria, California. These military aircraft supplement the civilian retardant tanker fleet during periods of peak demand.

Looking Ahead

Fire weather forecasters warn that hot, dry conditions will persist across much of the West through the coming week. While a monsoonal moisture surge may bring some relief to the Southwest and parts of eastern Oregon, it also carries the risk of additional dry lightning — a primary ignition source across the region. Residents across the Pacific Northwest and the broader western United States should remain prepared to respond to evacuation orders with little notice.