The 2026 wildfire season has already become one of the most destructive on record, with 53,802 fires burning 8.4 million acres nationwide through September 9 — far outpacing the 10-year average and surpassing last year's total of 4.3 million acres by the same date.

As of Wednesday, September 9, the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) reported 59 large fires actively burning across 16 states, with 14,405 firefighters and support personnel deployed to incidents nationwide. In a sign of modest improvement, NICC reduced the national preparedness level to Level 3 — effective 7:30 a.m. MDT on September 9 — citing improving fire weather conditions across multiple geographic areas and increasing availability of shared resources.

Pacific Northwest Leads the Count

The Northwest remains the most fire-affected region in the country. Washington leads all states with 12 large active fires, followed by Oregon with 9, Idaho with 8, and Montana with 8. Combined, the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies account for more than half of all active large fire incidents in the United States.

Eight geographic coordination areas remain engaged with active fire operations, though the shift to Preparedness Level 3 indicates that national resource ordering has eased from the peak surge levels seen during August.

2026 vs. Historical Context

  • 2026 YTD (through Sept. 9): 53,802 fires / 8,404,094 acres
  • 2025 YTD: 48,327 fires / 4,312,046 acres
  • 2024 YTD: 36,040 fires / 6,918,822 acres
  • 2017 YTD (previous record pace): 47,981 fires / 8,132,724 acres

The 2026 season is currently running ahead of 2017, which was widely considered one of the worst fire years in modern U.S. history. Collectively, more than 3.2 million acres remain burning across the country as of this report.

Yesterday's Activity

Sixty-one new fires were reported across the nation on September 8, including four that escalated to large-fire status. Five additional fires were reported as contained. Lighter winds and slightly higher relative humidity in parts of the Interior West are providing some relief to suppression crews, though dry and breezy conditions continue in Wyoming and portions of central Montana.

Mental Health Awareness

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and NIFC is observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Week (September 7–13). The wildland fire community faces significant mental health pressures during extended fire seasons. Anyone in need of support can call or text 988. Additional resources are available through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's Health and Wellness Subcommittee.