U.S. wildfires have burned nearly 1.9 million acres so far in 2026, well above the 10-year average for the period.
Through May 11, 25,560 fires have burned 1,881,436 acres nationally. The 10-year average is 17,713 fires and about 1 million acres. This year's activity is also already outpacing 2025, which was the year of the Palisades and Eaton fires. During the same period last year, the U.S. saw 24,868 fires and 1,024,657 acres burned by May 11.
The South has seen some of the highest wildfire activity so far, with multiple fires in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
Globally, wildfire numbers are also up. In the first four months of the year, more than 150 million hectares were burned, roughly double the seasonal average for the period, according to the Global Wildfire Information System.
Record-breaking heat and drought in many areas as well as a developing El Niño have forecasters worried. AccuWeather is predicting that 5.5 million to 8 million acres will burn in the United States this year.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, which aims to remind people of the importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness. Nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by people and considered preventable.
Photo credit: rocco constantino/Shutterstock
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.