The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) reports that wildfire activity across the United States has dropped to near-seasonal lows as November progresses, with just four large fires burning nationwide as of the November 6 situation report. Total personnel assigned to large fire suppression has fallen to approximately 342 — a sharp contrast to the season's peak in August and September, when tens of thousands of firefighters were deployed across the West.

The National Preparedness Level has held at 1 — the lowest tier — since October 14, signaling that federal resources are no longer under exceptional demand. The transition from NPL 5 to NPL 1 over the course of six weeks represents one of the most dramatic single-season drawdowns in the history of the NICC system.

The 2026 Season by the Numbers

The 2026 fire season is essentially complete, with final tallies approaching record territory:

  • 68,179 fires reported nationally as of November 6 — approximately 131% of the 10-year average
  • 9,471,008 acres burned — approximately 146% of the 10-year average for the same date
  • Pacific Northwest states (Oregon, Washington, Idaho) accounted for a disproportionate share of acreage, with Oregon alone burning an estimated 2.5 million acres
  • The season ranks among the most destructive in U.S. history, behind only the 2020 and 2017 seasons in total national acreage

What's Still Burning

The most notable active fire in the country right now is the Wild River Fire in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest — 856 acres in the Androscoggin Ranger District, Coos County, about seven miles southeast of Gorham. The fire started November 1 and spread through steep, rugged terrain during a dry weather window. Approximately 89 personnel are assigned, supported by helicopters and drones, with containment at 20% as of November 6.

The Wild River Fire is unusual for the season and the region — it is burning in a part of the country currently under no elevated fire risk designation, in terrain not associated with large-fire history. It underscores that wildfire can occur virtually anywhere under the right conditions.

Prescribed Fire Activity Continues

While suppression activity winds down, prescribed burning operations are ramping up across the country. NIFC notes that fall brings cooler temperatures and favorable conditions in many areas, making it an important time for agencies to conduct fuels management work. Smoke from prescribed burns is visible across portions of the West, South, and Southeast.

Outlook for November and December

NIFC's November 2 monthly outlook calls for normal significant fire potential across the contiguous United States through November and December, with above-normal potential confined to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Pacific Northwest specifically remains well below normal fire potential, as an atmospheric river system brings heavy precipitation to Oregon, Washington, and northern California through mid-month.

The 2026 fire year will be recorded as one of the most destructive in U.S. history. For now, the fire map has gone quiet — but emergency managers, agency planners, and policy makers are only beginning the work of assessing what happened, why it happened at such scale, and what changes are needed before the 2027 season begins.