US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update for October 16

Posted on October 19, 2026

The US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that as of Friday, October 16, firefighters were working to contain 11 large wildfires across the country, covering a total of 144,503 acres.

The National Fire Preparedness Level was reduced to 1 out of 5 on October 14, reflecting favorable conditions across most geographic areas, adequate local firefighting resources, and minimal potential for emerging significant wildfires.

A total of 1,820 firefighters and support personnel were assigned to incidents nationwide, including 18 crews, 113 engines, and 9 helicopters.

Daily Statistics

As of Friday, there were 11 large wildfires reported nationwide, with 4 fires contained.

California led with 4 active fires, followed by Michigan with 3 and Oregon with 2. Mississippi, Washington State, and Wyoming each had 1 large wildfire.

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

  • Year-to-date through October 16, 2026: 64,718 wildfires reported, burning 9,028,873 acres.
  • During the same period last year: 55,569 wildfires reported, burning 4,753,997 acres.
  • The 10-year average (2016–25) for the same period is 48,906 wildfires and 6,316,574 acres burned.
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