00:01AccuWeather's 2026 U.S. wildfire forecast is out.
00:04Overall, we're forecasting between 5.5 and 8 million acres to burn from an expected 65,000
00:10to 80,000 fires this year.
00:11While that seems like a lot of acreage, our expected amount is actually near to slightly
00:15below the average amount of acres burned in a typical year across the nation.
00:21The Southwest, Central Rockies, and High Plains have experienced a terrible winter in terms of
00:26precipitation and building up snowpack, which is resulting in a high fire risk through the
00:31rest of the spring and into summer. As monsoon activity picks up across the Southwest this
00:35summer, the highest risk for wildfire activity is expected to shift north and focus across the
00:40Northwest, where hot and dry conditions are expected. We expect plenty of wildfire activity
00:45across California this year, but the height of the wildfire season will likely hold off until
00:49the fall season. During fall, high wind events become more common across the Golden State,
00:54and when that is coupled with plenty of dry fuel after a hot and dry summer,
00:58the wildfire risk is maximized. Our expected 500,000 to 750,000 acres burned across California
01:04this year is higher than what was observed in 2025, but is below the average acreage burned per year,
01:10which is typically right around a million acres.
01:14For those in wildfire prone areas, preparation now can save critical time later, clearing dry brush and
01:20debris around your home to create a defensible space and keep gutters and roofs clean. Have an evacuation
01:26plan with multiple routes and stay alert to fire weather conditions and be ready to act quickly if a fire
01:32develops nearby.
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