The United States is entering another difficult stretch of the 2026 wildfire season, with federal officials reporting Thursday that more than 6.4 million acres have burned nationwide this year — 154% of the 10-year average.
The latest federal wildfire report also shows the country remains at National Preparedness Level 5, the highest level on the five-point scale. More than 29,000 personnel are currently assigned to wildfires, while portions of the Southern Plains face elevated to critical fire conditions heading into Friday.
More Than 6.4 Million Acres Burned
The National Interagency Fire Center’s Thursday Incident Management Situation Report shows 95 uncontained large fires nationwide as of Thursday morning. The report also records 103 initial-attack fires, four new large incidents, and five large fires contained during the reporting period.
Across the country, 29,058 personnel were assigned to active wildfire incidents, including firefighters, support personnel, and other resources.
Year-to-date figures show 46,636 wildfires have burned approximately 6,485,336 acres.
That compares with a 10-year average of 37,200 fires and 4,197,801 acres burned through the same point in the year. The current totals represent 125% of the 10-year average for the number of fires and 154% for acres burned.
The Northwest Remains a Major Focus
The Northwest remains the nation’s most active wildfire area, according to NIFC. Its August 13 report lists 43 uncontained large fires in the Northwest and shows the Northwest Coordination Center managing 54 incidents covering 2,777,756 cumulative acres, with 17,552 personnel assigned.
Federal resources have also been supplemented by military and international personnel. NIFC reported that 240 soldiers from the Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, had been deployed to support wildfire operations on the Modrite Fire.
The federal firefighting response also included four military C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems, or MAFFS. Two aircraft from the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing were deployed to Klamath Falls, Oregon, while two aircraft from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing were deployed to Redding, California.
International personnel were also assisting. NIFC reported that a 15-member incident management team and 59 fireline management personnel from Australia and New Zealand were assigned to support large fires in the Northwest.
Southern Plains Face Critical Fire Conditions Friday
The immediate concern is shifting toward the Southern Plains. NIFC’s Thursday forecast identifies widespread elevated to critical fire conditions across the region, with very hot, dry, and breezy conditions expected from the ArkLaTex into the Ozark Plateau.
Southerly winds could gust to 40 mph, while relative humidity could fall to 10% to 25%. Isolated mixed wet and dry thunderstorms are also possible across portions of the High Plains.
Dry thunderstorms can produce lightning with limited rainfall, potentially creating new fire starts while strong winds can contribute to rapid fire spread.
Provided by Dallas Express
