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 Texas, United States
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
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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About wildfires in Texas
Texas, the second-largest US state, faces significant wildfire threats, particularly in the western and northern Panhandle regions. The state's vast grasslands and rangelands are extremely fire-prone during drought conditions, with wind-driven fires capable of spreading rapidly across the flat terrain.
The 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle became the largest wildfire in state history, burning over 1 million acres. The Texas A&M Forest Service coordinates wildfire response statewide, working with local fire departments across 254 counties.
Our satellite tracker provides real-time monitoring of all fire activity across Texas.
Today across the United States
Sixty-seven fires are still burning in the United States, covering some 868,700 hectares between them. The biggest by far is the Crosswhite Fire at around 138,800 hectares. Twelve more broke out over the past week.
It has been a better year than usual. The United States has lost 3,322,000 hectares so far, well below the usual 5,481,200 hectares — down 39 percent, sitting at the 12th worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks.
Around the Crosswhite Fire it is cool and rather humid, with light breezes and no rain in sight for the next 48 hours.
Updated 3 Oct
Texas wildfire season
Texas doesn't follow the West's summer fire calendar. Its most dangerous wildfires often strike in late winter and spring (February–April), when dormant Panhandle and rolling-plains grasses are fully cured, humidity crashes, and powerful dry cold fronts drive fast grass fires across flat, open terrain.
A second peak arrives with summer drought, especially across Central and East Texas in dry years. Because so much of the state is grassland, fires can ignite in almost any month, and the Texas A&M Forest Service tracks fire weather year-round.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire
The largest wildfire in Texas history swept across the Panhandle, burning more than 1 million acres, killing two people, and destroying thousands of head of cattle across ranching country.
- 2022 Eastland Complex
Wind-driven spring grass fires west of Fort Worth burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed dozens of homes, and killed a sheriff's deputy during a fast-moving evacuation.
- 2011 Bastrop County Complex
During a record drought, the most destructive wildfire in Texas history burned near Austin, destroying roughly 1,600 homes and killing two people.
- 2006 East Amarillo Complex
A massive Panhandle grass-fire outbreak scorched around 900,000 acres and killed a dozen people, underscoring how fast plains fires can spread.
Main causes & risk factors
- Vast cured grasslands and rangelands that ignite and spread quickly
- Powerful dry cold-front and southwesterly winds over flat, open terrain
- Recurring drought that primes fuels across the Panhandle and plains
- Human ignitions from equipment, power lines, and escaped debris burns
- Rapid rural and suburban growth pushing homes into fire-prone brush
Safety & preparedness
- Check Texas A&M Forest Service fire danger and your county burn ban before any outdoor burning
- Never let tow chains drag and don't park hot vehicles on dry grass — both are top ignition sources
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and know at least two evacuation routes
- Keep a go bag ready and clear defensible space around rural homes
- Report smoke or flames immediately by calling 911
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Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Texas?
Unlike the western U.S., Texas often sees its worst fires in late winter and spring (February–April), when grasses are cured and cold-front winds are strongest, with a second peak during summer drought.
What was the largest wildfire in Texas history?
The 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Panhandle burned more than 1 million acres, making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in Texas.
Which parts of Texas have the most wildfires?
The Panhandle and rolling plains of West and North Texas see the most large grass fires, though drought years bring destructive fires to Central and East Texas as well.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires across Texas and the world several times a day.
Is this Texas wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Texas and the world in real time.