08/11/2026
🚨🔥 WILDFIRES BURNING ACROSS THE WEST — NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 5
Wildfire activity remains extremely active across much of the western United States tonight, with major incidents stretching from the Pacific Northwest into the Great Basin, Rockies and Southwest.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center’s August 10 report, 101 new fires were reported nationwide yesterday, including nine new large fires. Firefighters are currently working to contain 98 uncontained large fires, with approximately 29,840 personnel committed nationwide. The country remains at National Preparedness Level 5 — the highest level.
🔥 OREGON: Some of the most significant activity remains here. The Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County has grown to approximately 46,769 acres and remains 0% contained, with extreme conditions challenging firefighters.
The Grasshopper Fire has reached 63,659 acres and 23% containment, with 1,656 personnel assigned as crews continue strengthening containment lines.
🔥 OREGON–IDAHO BORDER: The enormous Big Grass Fire continues burning across southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. Current reporting puts the fire at more than 550,000 acres, making it one of the largest incidents currently burning in the West.
🔥 WASHINGTON: Multiple major fires continue burning across the state, including the Little Giant, Sinlahekin and Kaiser Canyon fires, along with continuing wildfire operations around Spokane. The Washington National Guard remains deployed, providing aviation, hand-crew and security support to firefighting operations.
🔥 UTAH: The Widemouth 2 Fire continues burning across central Utah and has now exceeded 118,000 acres, following days of significant growth. The incident has also suffered the tragic loss of two firefighting helicopter pilots, Miles Elliott and Christopher V. Andersen.
🔥 CALIFORNIA–NEVADA: The rapidly growing Bug Fire, north of Reno along the California-Nevada border, has surged to more than 15,000 acres, forcing evacuations as crews battle the expanding incident.
🔥 ACROSS THE WEST: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, California, Nevada and other western states are also dealing with significant wildfire activity. Hot temperatures, extremely dry fuels, low humidity and periods of strong winds continue creating conditions capable of producing rapid fire growth.
The picture you’re seeing with this post is representative of what firefighters are facing across parts of the West — heavy smoke, poor visibility, torching timber and rapidly changing fire behavior.
⚠️ SAFETY MESSAGE:
At Preparedness Level 5, firefighting resources are heavily committed nationwide. Now more than ever, preventing the next wildfire matters. Follow evacuation orders immediately, stay clear of firefighting operations, avoid activities that could create a spark, and give firefighters the room they need to work safely.
Situational awareness saves lives. No home, piece of equipment or acre of ground is worth a firefighter or civilian life.
— Retired Division Chief Will Spyrison
InciNotes Administrator
