The United States is experiencing a severe wildfire season, with over 6.4 million acres burned nationwide as of August 14, 2026. This represents 154% of the 10-year average, according to federal officials.
National Preparedness Level 5
The country remains at National Preparedness Level 5, the highest level on the five-point scale, with more than 29,000 personnel assigned to wildfires. The National Interagency Fire Center reports 95 uncontained large fires nationwide, with 103 initial-attack fires, four new large incidents, and five large fires contained during the reporting period.
The Northwest is the most active wildfire area, with 43 uncontained large fires and 17,552 personnel assigned. Federal resources have been supplemented by military and international personnel, including 240 soldiers from the Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, and a 15-member incident management team from Australia and New Zealand.
The immediate concern is shifting to the Southern Plains, with elevated to critical fire conditions expected due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions. Southerly winds could gust up to 40 mph, and relative humidity could fall to 10% to 25%.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
