US maintains highest wildfire alert level amid widespread blazes

The United States remains at National Preparedness Level 5, its highest alert, due to 95 uncontained large wildfires that have burned over 6.4 million acres in 2026, significantly above average. The Northwest is particularly affected, with the Grasshopper fire in Oregon prompting evacuations and smoke impacting air quality. This widespread activity poses significant risks to public safety, property, and air quality across multiple regions.