Fire Activity Declines as the Season Winds Down
October 9, 2026
National wildfire activity has declined substantially since the peak of the 2026 fire season, although several large fires remain active and fall weather can still produce critical fire conditions. The United States is currently at National Preparedness Level 2, down from Level 5 during August’s peak activity. As of October 9, the National Interagency Fire Center reports:
- 8 large fires currently being managed
- 3,123 firefighters and support personnel assigned
- 41 crews committed
- 98 engines committed
- 30 helicopters supporting incidents
Large fires are currently reported in Southern California, the Great Basin, the Northwest and the Southern geographic area.
The 2026 Season by the Numbers
Firefighters have responded to 63,681 wildfires nationwide so far in 2026. Those fires have burned more than 9 million acres. Compared with the ten-year average for this date:
- The number of wildfires is at 134 percent of average.
- Acres burned are at 145 percent of average.
Although national activity has slowed, the year-to-date figures show that 2026 has been a significantly above-average wildfire season.
A Major Change Since August
On August 21, the nation was at Preparedness Level 5, with 76 uncontained large fires and more than 24,000 personnel assigned. At that time, 1,265 engines, 491 crews and 184 helicopters were supporting incidents across the country.
By October 9, the number of assigned personnel has fallen to approximately 3,100, reflecting containment progress, cooler weather and the release of resources from incidents across the West.
The Northwest Geographic Area has also dropped to Preparedness Level 2. The current national situation report lists approximately 1,211 personnel, seven crews, 29 engines and four helicopters assigned within the Northwest.
Fall Fire Potential Remains
The end of peak fire season does not eliminate wildfire risk. Dry fuels, strong winds and brief periods of warm weather can still produce rapid fire growth, particularly ahead of cold fronts.
A strong weather system moving across the West is expected to produce gusty winds and areas of near-critical or critical fire weather before cooler conditions arrive.
Residents and visitors should continue following local restrictions, fully extinguish campfires, secure trailer chains and avoid activities that could create sparks in dry vegetation.
Information for this update was obtained from the National Interagency Fire Center’s October 9, 2026 National Fire News and Incident Management Situation Report.
National Fire News:
https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Incident Management Situation Report:
https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf