As of Tuesday, July 28, there are currently 92 large active wildfires which have collectively burned nearly 2.5 million acres across the United States (US), according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Since Saturday, July 18, the National Preparedness Level has remained at 5. This indicates extremely high levels of fire activity and use of national firefighting resources. States experiencing the highest volume of wildfire activity include Oregon with 34 large active fires, followed by Washington with 13.
According to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM), as of Tuesday, July 28, over 1.1 million acres has burned across the state to date this year. The largest of the state’s active fires is the Rowe Creek Complex fire, which has burned 294,900 acres and sits at 33 percent containment as of Tuesday, July 28.
Wildfires in Oregon are causing widespread travel impacts on several highways, notably U.S. 20 and U.S. 26 between central and eastern Oregon. Plan ahead and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Check https://t.co/SsqxkwGpZQ. More information: https://t.co/csEdKZfA8j pic.twitter.com/sVrTQHZaRi
— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) July 27, 2026
X: Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT)
Many of the fires in the Northwest, including the Rowe Creek Complex, Akawa Butte, and Bench fires, ignited as a result of intense lightning storms on Wednesday, July 15. During the storms, thousands of lightning strikes touched down across Oregon’s extremely dry terrain. This sparked dozens of fires across the state’s central and eastern regions. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency on Thursday, July 16, citing an imminent threat of increased severe wildfire activity.
Rowe Creek Complex Fire
On Wednesday, July 15, the Crosswhite, Camel Hump, Red Rock, and Twickenham fires were ignited in Wheeler County, Oregon, quickly merging to form the Rowe Creek Complex. Due to the Complex’s rapid growth and threat to nearby communities, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Friday, July 17. This declaration authorized the mobilization of statewide resources to support local fire services agencies with response.
As of Tuesday, July 28, the complex had burned 294,000 acres and was 33 percent contained, with the largest fire within the complex, Crosswhite East, accounting for 277,296 of the complex’s total acreage. More than 1,399 personnel remain assigned to the Complex as crews continue working towards containment while prioritizing structure protection. According to local fire managers, cooler temperatures, lighter northwest winds, and higher humidity are expected throughout the week, providing firefighters with more favorable conditions for containment efforts.
Facebook: Rowe Creek Complex
Akawa Butte Fire
Firefighters northwest of Bend, Oregon, have been responding to the Akawa Butte fire since Thursday, July 16, following the lightning storms across the state. According to the State of Oregon Fires Dashboard, the current acreage burned as of Tuesday, July 28, has exceeded 27,433, with roughly six percent containment.
On Friday, July 24, following a meeting with first responders in Sisters, Oregon, Governor Kotek held a press conference and reported that the fires were being managed by crews from neighboring states California and Washington, in addition to crews from Nevada, Florida, and abroad from Australia and New Zealand. The Governor called this “the highest priority fire in the nation,” noting the need for expanding resources given low containment and likelihood of continued spread. The Akawa Butte Fire was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday, July 23, to receive a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), which will cover 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. In addition, during the July 24 press conference, Governor Kotek mentioned that she expects the increasing cost of fire season to be addressed by the Oregon Legislature, expanding emergency funds and dollars for response and mitigation capabilities.
With more than 50 fires & 750k+ acres burning across the Northwest, Arizona Forestry sent six task forces of engines to assist in Oregon & Washington.
The task forces consist of 5 engines & state overhead providing IA for local, state & federal agencies. The task forces have… pic.twitter.com/63r5S3JuSb
— AZ Dept. Forestry and Fire Management (@azstateforestry) July 27, 2026
X: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
Fires Across Central Oregon and Washington
Additionally, firefighters are responding to the Beachcomb Fire in Central Oregon. The fire merged with the Bench Fire near the Warm Springs Reservation, prompting the Warm Springs Tribal Chairman to declare a state of emergency for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on Saturday, July 25. As of Tuesday, July 28, the fire spans 40,296 acres and remains at zero percent containment.
In Washington, the Kaiser Canyon Fire has spread across portions of the Colville Reservation, threatening nearby communities and infrastructure. As of Tuesday, July 28, the fire has burned 124,251 acres and sits at 15 percent containment. According to officials, firefighters will continue to focus on protecting at-risk structures as fire weather conditions are forecast to remain elevated across Washington through Wednesday, July 29.
Know Your Risks and Be Prepared
Wildfires are a year-round threat that can occur anywhere in the country, often spreading rapidly and changing conditions with little warning. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges individuals and communities to take preventive measures with protecting their property and loved ones in the event of a wildfire emergency.
To stay safe during a wildfire, pay close attention to emergency alerts and notifications, evacuating immediately if instructed by authorities. Keep track of fires in or near your area by listening to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio for emergency alerts, and using AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map and NOAA’s Fire Weather Outlook.
Hagerty will continue to provide guidance on making effective preparations for long-term recovery and continue our situational updates. Consider subscribing to Hagerty’s monthly newsletter for ongoing updates on wildfire activity nationwide.
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