National Interagency Fire Center

06/18/2026

The National Preparedness Level increased to 3 (PL3) today, June 18, 2026, as significant wildland fire activity continues across multiple geographic areas and the potential for additional large fires remains elevated in the days ahead.

While current resource capability remains sufficient to sustain incident operations, geographic areas are increasingly utilizing national support to accomplish incident management objectives. The increase reflects growing demand for firefighting resources and heightened fire potential across several regions of the country.

🔥More National Fire News: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn



Photo by Kyle Miller on the South Fork Fire in Nebraska.

06/12/2026

National Fire News: June 12, 2026.

There are 11 uncontained large fires currently burning nationwide. 2,559 personnel are assigned to incidents across the country, including one complex incident management team committed to the South Fork Fire in Nebraska. This fire is threatening numerous residences and evacuations are in place. Active fire behavior is reported on incidents across multiple geographic areas.

So far this year, 32,373 fires have burned more than 2.5 million acres nationwide. While national fire activity has been light over the past several weeks, these year-to-date numbers are well above the 10-year averages of 23,626 fires and 1.43 million acres. Many red flag warnings and heat advisories are in place throughout the country. Both weather and fuels models predict increased fire danger in multiple geographic areas in the coming weeks.

Taking care of your vehicle is an important way to prevent dangerous wildfires. Make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition (sparks should not be flying from a well-maintained vehicle), that any chains used for towing are secured and that nothing can drag, and park on pavement, not vegetation. Once you're at your destination, be vigilant around campfires and barbeques. Watch for sparks, embers, and wind. Before you leave the area or go to sleep, make sure your fire or grill is all the way out and cool to the touch!

🔥More NFN: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn



📸South Fork Fire in Nebraska. Photo from InciWeb.

06/10/2026

An important reminder: If you fly, we can't.

Keep drones away from wildfires! If a drone enters restricted airspace, it puts firefighters at risk and can force all aerial firefighting operations to stop, delaying wildfire response when every second counts.

If you’re near wildfire activity, don’t fly your drone.

Unauthorized drones put wildland firefighters and aviation crews at risk and can force firefighting aircraft to stop flying, delaying wildfire response efforts.

If you fly, we can’t. And during a wildfire, every second counts.

Learn more: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Photo by U.S. Wildland Fire Service

06/05/2026

National Fire News: June 05, 2026. There are 6 uncontained large fires currently burning nationwide. 2,336 personnel are assigned to incidents across the country, including one complex incident management team committed to the Seven Cabins Fire in New Mexico.

So far this year, 31,511 fires have burned almost 2.5 million acres nationwide. While national fire activity has been light over the past week, these year-to-date numbers are above the 10-year averages of 22,270 fires and 1.27 million acres. Low relative humidities and dry conditions are predicted across the country for the following week with few exceptions. Interested in more detailed short- and long-term fire potential predictions? Explore the Outlooks page from the National Interagency Coordination Center: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive-services/outlooks

It's feeling more like summer every day, and many are spending time outdoors. With much of the nation reporting seriously dry conditions, people getting outdoors bring with them a risk for new fire starts. Each year, thousands of fires in the United States are caused by people. Major causes of these fires include loss of control of debris burning, unattended or unextinguished campfires, and sparks or heat transfer from vehicles and equipment like chainsaws or recreational vehicles. Become a part of the solution by going to extra mile to be fire safe on your public lands. https://www.recreateresponsibly.org/wildfireresponsibly

🔥More NFN: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn



Photos from the Seven Cabins Fire.

06/01/2026

The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook was released today, June 1, by Predictive Services, providing a look ahead at expected fire potential from June through September.

With the potential for increased fire activity, particularly across parts of the West, now is the time to make sure your family, home, and community are prepared. Visit ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to strengthen your home, create an emergency plan, and stay safe during a wildfire emergency.

Fire activity increased modestly across the U.S. in May, with brief periods of increased activity mid and late month. The Southern Area observed a decrease in overall activity, especially in the
latter half of the month, as periods of precipitation brought relief. Elsewhere, activity overall matched the national trends.

Given the low but persistent level of activity, the National Preparedness Level remained at two (on a scale of 1-5) through May. As of May 31, 2,412,214 acres have burned across the country, which is 195% of the previous 10-year average. So far this year 30,588 wildfires have been reported, also well above average, at 140%.

As a reminder, red areas on the maps indicate above-normal significant wildland fire potential, meaning there is a greater-than-usual likelihood that significant wildland fires will occur. White areas indicate normal significant wildland fire potential, where significant wildland fires are expected to occur at typical times and intervals.

🔥Read the full outlook here:https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf

05/27/2026

Dozers serve as a versatile tool for multiple missions on the fireline. Working closely with crews and engines on the ground, they help support suppression operations in a variety of ways. Take a closer look at their role. ⬇️

05/22/2026

National Fire News: May 22, 2026. Fire activity and firefighter engagement increased in several geographic areas in the past week. 18 uncontained large fires are currently burning nationwide. More than 5,000 personnel are assigned to incidents across the country, including one Complex Incident Management Team supporting response efforts. While rainfall is predicted for some areas of the West in the coming days, it may be accompanied by lightning.

So far this year, 29,023 fires have burned more than 2.3 million acres nationwide. Notable fire activity occurred in Southern California, where the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Channel Islands National Park has grown to 18,379 acres. Evacuations are in effect on fires in Southern California and the Southwest, where the Seven Cabins Fire in New Mexico has burned 17,116 acres.

As we honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen countrymen this Memorial Day Weekend, many of us will be enjoying the vast diversity of public lands that are such precious and irreplaceable features of our nation. As you recreate, please remember that most wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable. Taking simple precautions, such as avoiding parking on vegetation, checking equipment and trailer chains to prevent dragging, following local fire restrictions, and ensuring that campfires and barbeques are out cold before you walk away can help reduce wildfire risk and protect communities, firefighters, and public lands.

🔥More NFN: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

Photos from Inciweb:
1. Night operations on the Seven Cabins Fire, Lincoln National Forest, NM.
2. Firefighters arrive by boat to the Santa Rosa Island Fire, Channel Islands National Park, CA. (J Foye/USWFS)
3. Briefing on the Seven Cabins Fire, Lincoln National Forest, NM.
4. A firefighter works to extinguish interior hot spots on the Spread Creek Fire, Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY.

05/22/2026

We’re excited to officially welcome the U.S. Wildland Fire Service's Boise Helitack and Air Attack programs to our campus! Their addition expands the operational wildland fire support based out of the National Interagency Fire Center and strengthens rapid response capabilities nationwide.

Staff from NIFC and Bureau of Land Management - Idaho offices had the opportunity to check out the helicopter, meet members of the crew, and welcome them into their new home on campus.

Boise Helitack is a 24-person firefighting module that operates a Type 1 (Heavy Lift) helicopter in support of rapid initial attack and wildfire response across the country. The crew responds with a full complement of firefighting tools, a 660-gallon water-dropping bucket, and up to 12 firefighters on board.

The Air Attack Program is staffed staffed with both a pilot and an AirTactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) and are strategically positioned across the country to provide rapid response to wildfires.

Welcome! NIFC wishes you a safe and successful season ahead.

Photos by Rebecca Paterson

05/21/2026

Keep drones away from wildfires! If a drone enters restricted airspace, it puts firefighters at risk and can force all aerial firefighting operations to stop, delaying wildfire response when every second counts.

05/21/2026

Do you have strong leadership skills and a passion for supporting wildland firefighters and incident personnel with the supplies and equipment needed to get the job done?

Join the team at the Great Basin Incident Support Cache as the next Cache Manager. This position plays a key role in supervising and directing supply, warehouse, shipping and receiving, and transportation operations that support wildland fire response across the Great Basin and beyond.

📍Boise, ID at NIFC
📅Apply by 06/03/2026
🔥https://www.usajobs.gov/job/870026800