US raises national wildfire alert to Level 5 as 94 large fires burn, over 5.5 million acres scorched.

The U.S. has elevated its national wildfire preparedness level to 5, the highest category, as 94 large active wildfires continue to spread across the country. So far in Fire Year 2026, over 5.5 million acres have burned. The Northwest, particularly Washington and Oregon, is experiencing the highest activity with 44 uncontained large fires, including the 126,168-acre Sinlahekin Fire (20% contained) and the 70,853-acre Little Giant Fire (1% contained) in Washington, prompting evacuations and threatening communities and critical infrastructure.