National Preparedness Level 5 as Wildfires Threaten Infrastructure in Northwest and Great Basin

The National Interagency Fire Center reports 80 uncontained large fires across the United States as of August 17, 2026, with 28,710 personnel assigned. The Northwest and Great Basin regions remain the most active, with fires like the Little Giant in Washington and the Grasshopper, Hagen, and Wrights Spring fires in Oregon, and Widemouth 2 and Black Canyon fires in Utah, threatening homes, communities, and critical infrastructure. Evacuations and closures are in effect for multiple incidents. A high risk burn environment is also forecast for the Southern Plains and southeast US due to strong high pressure and very hot conditions.