BOISE, ID – Wildfire activity continues at high levels across the United States, with more than 17,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel currently deployed nationwide, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported Friday.
Crews are battling dangerous conditions as hot, dry, and windy weather fuels the spread of wildfires, particularly across the Northwest, the Great Basin, and the Southwest. Officials warn that the combination of high winds and low humidity is creating ideal conditions for fire growth and ignition.
Enhanced westerly flow is expected to produce wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph across much of the Northwest and northern Rockies, with localized gusts nearing 50 mph in some areas. While the Columbia Basin is experiencing slightly higher humidity levels, drier conditions persist farther south and east. Minimum humidity levels are dropping as low as 10–15% in parts of southeastern Idaho and northern Nevada, with isolated areas near 5% in Nevada and northeast California.
“These are the kinds of conditions where even a tiny spark can lead to a fast-moving wildfire,” NIFC officials cautioned. The agency continues to urge outdoor recreationists to “Recreate Responsibly” and follow fire safety practices, such as keeping campfires small, never leaving them unattended, and ensuring they are fully extinguished.
Officials emphasize that this is increasingly becoming a fire year, not just a fire season, and public cooperation is critical to preventing new fire starts and supporting firefighter safety.
Fire Activity in the Northwest
The Northwest Area, currently at Preparedness Level 3, is experiencing significant wildfire activity with 12 large uncontained fires and four new large incidents reported Friday. Eight new fires were recorded, and five Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams are assigned.
Notable fires in the region include:
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Grizzly Complex (Oregon Department of Forestry, near Medford, OR): Minimal fire behavior reported, smoldering in timber and brush. Also managing the Board Shanty incident, which is active with group torching and short-range spotting. Numerous structures are threatened.
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Cram Fire (BLM, Prineville District, OR): North of Madras, with active wind-driven runs and short-range spotting. Residences threatened. Evacuations and road closures are in place.
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Hope Fire (Washington DNR, near Kettle Falls, WA): Wind-driven runs, torching, and spotting reported. Numerous structures are threatened. Area and trail closures are in effect.
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Elk and Hagelstein Fires (ODF, near Beatty and Modoc Point, OR): Moderate fire behavior, with threats to structures and energy infrastructure.
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Pomas Fire (USFS, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, WA): Active backing and isolated torching. Closures in effect.
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Bear Gulch Fire (USFS, Olympic NF, WA): Timber fire with isolated torching. Road and trail closures in place.
Several new fires have also emerged:
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Burdoin Fire (Washington DNR, near Lyle, WA): Active behavior with single-tree torching and spotting. Residences threatened and evacuations underway.
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Black Hills and Mendiola Road Fires (BLM, near Burns Junction and Adrian, OR): Mendiola Road is exhibiting extreme, wind-driven fire behavior and threatening residences.
The Columbia River Cutoff fire near Omak, WA, has had no significant updates, and no further reports are expected unless conditions change.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
As fires continue to spread and new starts emerge, fire officials stress the importance of public vigilance. Even routine outdoor activities—like parking a hot vehicle on dry grass—can trigger a wildfire in current conditions.
“Our firefighters are working around the clock under extremely challenging circumstances,” NIFC officials said. “It takes all of us to help prevent new starts, support their safety, and protect our communities.”