The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) has the nation at Preparedness Level 2 as of September 28, 2026 — a significant improvement from the peak levels reached during the August siege that overwhelmed fire suppression resources across the West. But the 2026 fire season remains one of the most destructive on record, with suppression costs and burned acreage that will be studied for years to come.

Season Statistics

According to NIFC data, the 2026 fire season has produced:

  • 52,253 wildfires reported nationally year-to-date
  • 8.2 million acres burned nationwide, making 2026 one of the worst seasons in U.S. history
  • 98+ large fires that were simultaneously active at the season's peak
  • The Pacific Northwest bearing a disproportionate share, with 38 of 93 active large fires at one point centered in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon

Active Fires Still Burning

As of the September 28 Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR), significant fires continue to burn in multiple regions:

  • Northwest (WA/OR/ID): Little Giant (172,891 ac), Sinlahekin (166,026 ac), Grasshopper (93,971 ac), Hagen (61,380 ac), and several smaller active fires
  • California: Plaskett Fire (29,993 ac), Timber Fire (25,349 ac), Dome Fire in Yosemite NP area (5,259 ac)
  • Montana: Sand Creek (35,520 ac), Bobcat Lakes (10,896 ac), Black Bear Fire (2,126 ac)
  • New Mexico: Frijoles Fire (15,956 ac)
  • Texas: Several smaller fires active

Dry Conditions Linger

Despite the lower preparedness level, NIFC forecasters note that dry conditions continue for California, the western Great Basin, the Northwest, and northern Rockies. Drought monitors show significant portions of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho still in severe to exceptional drought, which means fire danger remains elevated even as temperatures cool. Fuels in many areas are exceptionally dry following a record-hot summer, and any return of offshore wind or low relative humidity could reignite concern.

Resource Demobilization Underway

With the preparedness level dropping, incident management teams and suppression resources are being systematically demobilized across the country. National Tanker Base inventories, which were stretched thin during August, are beginning to recover. Type 1 and Type 2 crews are being released from assignment as containment is achieved on major fires.

Fire officials remind residents that even with national demobilization underway, local fire danger can remain high — and human-caused ignitions remain a primary concern through the end of the fire season.