As October begins, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that the 2026 wildfire season has been one of the most destructive in modern U.S. history. As of September 25, 57,087 fires had burned across the country, scorching more than 8.5 million acres — representing 125% of the 10-year average number of fires and a staggering 145% of the average acreage burned for the same date.

Current National Situation

As of the most recent NIFC report, 14 large fires remain active across six states, burning a combined total of approximately 555,141 acres. Resource levels remain elevated, with nearly 7,000 firefighters and support personnel assigned to active incidents, supported by 92 crews, 267 engines, and 44 helicopters nationwide.

States currently reporting large active fires include:

  • Oregon — 4 large fires (primarily in mop-up phase)
  • Washington — 4 large fires (including Sisi and Three Queens, still actively managed)
  • California — 2 large fires (Dome Fire near Yosemite, 5,410 acres, 39% contained; Timber Fire near Big Sur, 25,349 acres, 88% contained)
  • Oklahoma — 2 fires
  • Texas — 1 fire
  • Florida — 1 fire

NIFC's National Preparedness Level stands at Level 2 (on a scale of 1 to 5), down from the peak Level 5 that was declared during the height of summer fire activity.

A Season of Historic Extremes

The 2026 fire season saw record-breaking events across multiple Western states. In Oregon, the Big Grass Fire became the largest in the state's recorded history at 578,637 acres. In Washington, the Spokane Complex Fire destroyed hundreds of homes and prompted mass evacuations of nearly 12,000 residents. The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County burned 172,891 acres — one of the largest in Washington history.

Nationally, the total acreage burned significantly exceeds 2025's full-year total of approximately 4.5 million acres and approaches 2020 levels. The 2026 season's 8.5 million-plus acres already ranks among the top five most destructive U.S. wildfire years in recent memory.

Year-to-Date in Context

Comparing the 2026 season to prior years as of September 25:

  • 2026: 57,087 fires / 8,559,888 acres
  • 2025: 52,112 fires / 4,489,828 acres
  • 2024: 38,143 fires / 7,877,684 acres
  • 2020: 44,169 fires / 7,257,016 acres

The 2026 totals reflect a convergence of factors that fire scientists have been warning about for years: persistent drought across more than two-thirds of the West, explosive growth of invasive cheatgrass in the Great Basin, record heat events, and fuel loads elevated by decades of fire suppression in forested landscapes.

Looking Ahead

While the Western fire season is entering its wind-down phase, October can still produce significant fire activity — particularly in Southern California, where seasonal Santa Ana and Diablo wind events historically drive some of the most destructive fires. NIFC will continue daily reporting through the fall transition period. Residents across the West are encouraged to monitor local fire agency updates and maintain preparedness through the end of the calendar year.