As of September 25, 2026, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that firefighters are managing 26 large fires burning across the country, with 10 of those incidents concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and adjacent Northern Rockies region. The national fire situation has eased considerably from the peak of summer, with the National Preparedness Level now sitting at Level 2 — down from the Level 5 that persisted for seven weeks between July 18 and September 4.

Nationwide, 6,824 firefighters and support personnel remain assigned to incidents, along with 92 crews, 267 engines, and 44 helicopters. Year-to-date, 57,087 fires have burned more than 8.5 million acres across the United States — representing 125% of the 10-year average number of fire starts and a staggering 145% of average acreage burned for this date.

Active Large Fires in the Pacific Northwest

The following large fires are currently active in or near the Pacific Northwest region:

  • Upper Smith Fire — Idaho Panhandle National Forest, six miles west of Porthill, ID. 4,848 acres, 41% contained. Burning in heavy timber with significant dead and downed fuels. Lightning-caused, ignited July 8.
  • Goat Fire — Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 15 miles north of Ronald, WA (Kittitas County). 815 acres, 85% contained. Lightning-caused, ignited August 22.
  • The Narrows — Mt. Hood National Forest, 15 miles southeast of Estacada, OR. 305 acres, 98% contained. Near full containment.
  • Nature Grove Fire — Bitterroot National Forest, 13 miles east of Hamilton, MT (south of Highway 38). 1,422 acres, 0% contained. Showing minimal creeping behavior following recent precipitation and cooler autumn weather.

Season in Context

The 2026 fire season has been extraordinary by nearly every measure. Oregon shattered its all-time wildfire acreage record with more than 2.3 million acres burned — an area larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined. Washington State committed $207 million to firefighting between July and September. Idaho saw its governor declare a fire disaster emergency in late July.

The Big Grass Fire, burning across Malheur County near Jordan Valley, Oregon, became the largest wildfire in Oregon history — burning approximately 578,637 acres before reaching 93% containment in late August. The Rowe Creek Complex in Central Oregon burned nearly 374,000 acres before reaching 99% containment in mid-September.

Weather Outlook

Current NIFC weather guidance indicates more widespread rainfall is expected near and west of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington, with wetting rain also expected in northern Idaho and western Montana — welcome news for weary firefighters and communities. Breezy west winds in the Columbia Basin will be accompanied by higher relative humidity above 30% and isolated to scattered showers.

While the threat of large-acreage fire growth is diminishing, fire managers caution that fuels remain dry enough in many areas to carry fire, particularly in Central Washington and Eastern Oregon. Officials are urging residents to continue practicing fire-safe behavior through the transition to fall.