2026 Wildfire Season: 8.5M Acres Burned Across U.S.
The 2026 wildfire season has been marked by significant variability across the United States, with over 8.5 million acres burned as of mid-September, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). This figure represents 146% of the 10-year average for acreage burned by this time of year. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon, has experienced unprecedented fire activity, with 2.56 million acres burned in Oregon alone, the largest in the state’s recorded history. In contrast, California has seen a relatively quiet season, with only 322,153 acres burned, which is 38% of its five-year average. Alaska has also reported one of its calmest wildfire seasons in over three decades due to cooler weather. The national firefighting resources have been stretched thin, with the U.S. operating at Preparedness Level 5 for 49 consecutive days, the highest level of alert.
