The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) dropped the national preparedness level to PL 2 on September 22, 2026, citing a significant decrease in initial attack and large fire activity as September rains moved across portions of the West. The step-down from PL 3 reflects improved conditions, though fire managers caution that the season is not over.

As of September 22, there were 12 large uncontained fires burning across 10 states, with approximately 9,701 firefighters and support personnel still actively assigned. Nationally, 17,856 acres remained in active large-fire footprints.

States With Active Large Fires

  • Idaho – Upper Smith Fire (4,848 acres, 41% contained, Idaho Panhandle National Forest)
  • Oregon – The Narrows Fire (305 acres, 98% contained, Mt. Hood National Forest)
  • Washington – Goat Fire (815 acres, 80% contained, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest)
  • Montana – Nature Grove Fire (1,422 acres, 0% contained, Bitterroot National Forest)
  • California – Dome Fire (3,683 acres, 15% contained, Yosemite NP); Floriston Fire (622 acres, 96%)
  • Colorado – Swiss Roll Fire (777 acres, 36% contained, San Juan National Forest)
  • New Mexico – Whiskey Fire (542 acres, 75% contained, Cibola National Forest)
  • Texas – Hydra Fire (933 acres, 78%); Seven Fire (480 acres, 95%)
  • Oklahoma – Gracemont Fire (2,690 acres, 99% contained)
  • Louisiana – Round Prairie Fire (739 acres, 75% contained)

A Record-Breaking Season Nationally

Year-to-date statistics paint a sobering picture. Through September 22, 2026, federal agencies reported 56,794 fires burning 8,554,955 acres — far outpacing 2025 (51,012 fires / 4,461,337 acres) and approaching the 2021 benchmark of 5.9 million acres. The 2026 total already exceeds all other comparison years except 2017, making it the worst fire season in at least a decade.

The national firefighting force spent 48 consecutive days at Preparedness Level 5 — the highest tier, indicating all national resources fully committed — from July 18 through September 3, before beginning the step-down that brought PL 2 this week.

Weather Outlook

Fire weather concerns have not disappeared. NIFC meteorologists noted that the lower Mississippi Valley remains a concern area, with relative humidity expected to drop to 35–40% and temperatures climbing to the low-to-mid 90s. Breezy west winds are expected to develop through Cascade gaps with gusts to 35 mph, including the Columbia River Gorge. Northern California faces RH of 10–20% with poor overnight recovery, though significant fire potential remains low for that region.

At PL 2, NIFC noted that National Fire News updates will be published on Fridays only, reflecting the reduced operational tempo heading into fall. Resource availability is currently adequate to manage the current situation, with light ordering through the National Interagency Coordination Center.