Wildfires in the United States today
So far in 2026, 3,243,965 hectares have burned in the United States — 41% below the 20-year average. Right now 102 wildfires are burning.
3,243,965 hectares so far this year, 41% below the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, the United States ranks 12th for area burned relative to its average.
Named fires in Hawaii, United States
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
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Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
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Wildfires are a growing threat across the Hawaiian Islands, where vast areas of non-native, fire-prone grasses have replaced former farmland and now cover roughly a quarter of the state. Fanned by strong trade winds and fueled by drought, these grass fires can spread with frightening speed toward communities on Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island.
The August 2023 Lahaina Fire on Maui became the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, killing over 100 people and destroying the historic town of Lahaina in a matter of hours. It transformed how the islands think about wildfire risk and warning systems.
Our satellite tracker monitors every fire hotspot detected across Hawaii in real time, from leeward Maui to the slopes of the Big Island.
Today across the United States
50 fires are still burning in United States, covering some 800,050 hectares between them. The biggest by far is near Crosswhite Fire, at around 138,800 hectares. 7 more broke out over the past week.
It is a moderate year. United States has lost 3,347,500 hectares so far, well below its usual 5,481,250 hectares — the 12th worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks.
Around Crosswhite Fire it is warm and dry, with light wind and no rain in sight for the next 48 hours.
Updated 8 Oct
Hawaii wildfire season
Hawaii's wildfire risk is highest in the dry summer and early fall (roughly June–October), especially on the dry, leeward (western) sides of the islands where invasive grasses cure into tinder. Strong trade winds — and the downslope winds from passing hurricanes — can turn a small ignition into a fast-moving disaster, as happened in Lahaina.
Unlike the mainland, Hawaii's fires are driven less by forest and more by abandoned agricultural land now blanketed in flammable non-native grasses.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2023 Lahaina Fire (Maui)
Wind-whipped grass fires overran the historic town of Lahaina, killing more than 100 people and destroying thousands of structures — the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.
- 2023 Upcountry & Kihei Fires (Maui)
The same August wind event drove additional fires across Upcountry Maui and near Kihei, forcing widespread evacuations alongside the Lahaina disaster.
- 2019 Maui Brush Fires
Large brush fires near Maalaea and central Maui burned thousands of acres and forced thousands of evacuations, an early warning of the growing grass-fire threat.
Main causes & risk factors
- Vast invasive grasses on former farmland that cure into tinder
- Strong trade winds and downslope winds from passing hurricanes
- Recurring drought on the dry leeward sides of the islands
- Warm year-round temperatures that keep fuels flammable
- Human ignitions near roads, power lines, and communities
Safety & preparedness
- Sign up for county emergency alerts and know your island's evacuation routes
- Take grass-fire warnings seriously — leeward fires can move extremely fast in trade winds
- Keep a go bag ready, especially during drought and high-wind advisories
- Never burn debris or park hot vehicles on dry grass on windy days
- Report smoke or flames immediately by calling 911
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Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Hawaii?
Risk is highest in the dry summer and early fall, roughly June through October, especially on the dry leeward sides of the islands.
What was the deadliest wildfire in Hawaii?
The August 2023 Lahaina Fire on Maui killed more than 100 people and destroyed the historic town — the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.
Why does Hawaii have wildfires?
Huge areas of former farmland are now covered in invasive, fire-prone grasses that dry out and, driven by strong trade winds, can spread fast toward communities.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires several times a day.
Is this Hawaii wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Hawaii and the world in real time.