BOISE, ID – As of Thursday morning, 49 large wildfires are actively burning across the United States, consuming a total of 874,677 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Nine of the fires are burning in Idaho, impacting 31,129 acres.
More than 15,600 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to these incidents, including 15 complex incident management teams, 302 crews, 716 engines, and 100 helicopters.
To support firefighting efforts, four U.S. military C-130 airtankers equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems are operating out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Mesa, Arizona. Additionally, six U.S. Army HH-60 MEDEVAC helicopters from Fort Hood, Texas, have been deployed to California to assist nationwide operations.
Hot, dry, and windy conditions are contributing to elevated fire danger across much of the western U.S., with temperatures well above normal and very low humidity in several states. Scattered storms may produce lightning from California to Wyoming, creating potential new ignitions.
Currently, Idaho reports the most large fires with nine, followed by Montana with eight and Arizona with six. Other affected states include Wyoming (5), California (4), Utah (4), Washington (3), Colorado (3), Nevada (3), Louisiana (2), New Mexico (1), and Florida (1). Only two fires have been contained so far.
The National Interagency Fire Center reminds the public that many wildfires start from everyday activities, including dragging trailer chains, unattended campfires, or hot vehicle exhaust on dry grass. Residents and visitors are urged to check local fire restrictions, fully extinguish campfires, and avoid activities that could create sparks.
Predictive Services is tracking fire behavior advisories in Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. Weather forecasts indicate hot temperatures will persist in the central and northern Rockies and the Great Basin, with isolated thunderstorms expected in parts of Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico.
National Preparedness Level 4 remains in effect, reflecting significant wildfire activity and resource commitment.
