Fire activity continues across several areas of the country as warmer temperatures, dry fuels, and periods of gusty winds contribute to increased wildfire potential. The national preparedness level remains at 2, with 118 new fires reported yesterday and 16 uncontained large fires currently burning nationwide. Nearly 2,000 personnel are assigned to incidents across the country, including one Complex Incident Management Team supporting response efforts.
So far this year, 26,568 fires have burned more than 1.9 million acres nationwide. New large fires were reported in New Mexico, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Texas, where firefighters are responding to active fire behavior and rapidly changing conditions. The Seven Cabins Fire on the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico is exhibiting wind-driven runs and spotting, while the Hunggate Fire in Texas prompted evacuations and road closures as crews worked to slow fire spread.
In the Great Basin, the Wild Horse Fire in Utah continues to grow in grass and brush fuels, while firefighters in Wyoming are responding to the Spread Creek Fire near Jackson. Across the Southern Area, crews continue making progress on several ongoing fires in Florida and Georgia as conditions begin to dry following recent precipitation.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of prevention and preparedness before peak fire season arrives in many parts of the country. Most wildfires in the United States are human-caused and preventable. Taking simple precautions, such as avoiding parking on dry grass, checking equipment and trailer chains, and following local fire restrictions, can help reduce wildfire risk and protect communities, firefighters, and public lands.
Weather
Breezy west winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 30-45 mph will occur across Montana and Wyoming eastward into the Upper Great Lakes. Minimum relative humidity will fall to 10-25%, lowest from eastern Wyoming northeast into southern Minnesota creating elevated to critical conditions. Breezy southwest winds 15-25 mph gusting 25-35 mph amid relative humidity of 5-15% will also develop from eastern New Mexico into the Texas Panhandle for elevated to critical conditions amid well above normal temperatures near 100°F. Meanwhile, low relative humidity in the single digits and teens will persist across the Great Basin, but wind will be lighter than the past two days, and light showers will continue in western Washington. Drier conditions are expected across the Southeast with minimum relative humidity of 20-35% but recent precipitation will mitigate. Dry conditions and near normal temperatures are expected across the Alaska Interior today, while isolated showers develop over southeast Alaska.
