US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update for July 20

The US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that as of Monday, July 20, 74 large fires were actively burning across the country, with five new incidents reported Sunday.

The National Fire Preparedness Level increased to 5 out of 5 on Saturday, July 18. About 19,400 wildland firefighters and support personnel were assigned nationwide, including 404 crews, 1,188 engines, and 140 helicopters.

Fires in the Northwest Geographic Area and northern Minnesota were placing the greatest demand on firefighting resources. Assignments were being prioritized based on threats to life and property, operational impact, and the probability of success.

Daily Statistics

As of Monday, there were 74 large wildfires or emergency responses covering 1,380,621 acres. Three fires are contained.

Oregon leads with 21 active fires; Washington has eight; Colorado and Minnesota have six each; California has five; Florida and Idaho have four each; Utah has three; New Mexico has two; and Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wyoming have one each.

The updated year-to-date comparison is as follows:

• Year-to-date through July 20, 40,771 wildfires had been reported, burning 3,960,623 acres.
• During the same period last year, 38,715 wildfires were reported, burning 2,892,545 acres.