Emergency officials confirm most wildfires are put out, but 18 active blazes persist—17 endangering lives and property. This update urges communities to stay alert amid ongoing fire risks.
As wildfire season continues to test communities across the country, top Emergency Department officials delivered a mixed update on Tuesday: while the majority of major fires have been successfully contained, 18 active blazes remain, and 17 of those still pose a direct threat to human life and private property. The announcement, shared during a press briefing, balances cautious optimism with a critical call for vigilance—especially for residents in high-risk zones.
Emergency Leaders Break Down Fire Containment Progress
Speaking to reporters, the Emergency Department’s chief operations officer, Maria Hernandez, emphasized the progress made by firefighting teams over the past 72 hours, but didn’t shy away from the challenges ahead. “Our crews—local firefighters, national guard units, and federal teams—have worked around the clock, and their efforts have paid off: more than 80% of the large-scale fires we were tracking last week are now contained,” Hernandez said. “But let’s be clear: ‘contained’ doesn’t mean ‘gone,’ and the 18 active blazes we’re monitoring are a reminder that this fight isn’t over.”
Hernandez explained that “active blaze” is defined by fire officials as any fire that still has unburned fuel within its perimeter, meaning it could spread if weather conditions shift. Of those 18, 17 have been flagged as “threatening” because they’re within 5 miles of residential areas, commercial districts, or critical infrastructure like power lines or water treatment plants. “These aren’t fires in remote wilderness—they’re knocking on the doors of neighborhoods,” she added, her tone firm but empathetic. “We won’t let our guard down, and we’re asking residents to do the same.”
What the 17 Threatening Blazes Mean for Local Communities
For residents in areas near the 17 high-risk blazes, the update translates to ongoing preparedness. Local emergency management agencies have already issued “ready” alerts for more than 30,000 households—advising residents to pack go-bags, review evacuation routes, and keep phones charged for real-time alerts. In some counties, schools have shifted to remote learning temporarily, and senior centers have activated their emergency relocation plans.
Jake Miller, a resident of a small town in Oregon near one of the threatening blazes, told Facebook followers that the mood in his community is “tense but organized.” “We’ve been through this before, so we know the drill—my family has our water, non-perishables, and important papers ready to go,” he wrote in a post that’s been shared over 500 times. “The fire department drove through the neighborhood yesterday to check in, which helps. You just hope the wind stays calm.”
Hernandez echoed that sentiment, noting that wind speeds and dry conditions will be key factors in the coming days. “A 10-mph wind shift can turn a manageable fire into a crisis in minutes,” she said. “That’s why we’re urging people to follow local alerts—don’t rely on social media rumors. Stick to official channels like your county’s Twitter feed or the Emergency Alert System.”
Firefighting Teams Double Down on Remaining Blazes
To tackle the 18 active fires, emergency officials have scaled up resources, bringing in additional crews and equipment from neighboring states. Aerial support—including helicopters and air tankers dropping fire retardant—has been deployed to the most threatening blazes, while ground teams work to dig fire lines and clear brush to stop spread.
“We’re not just reacting—we’re planning ahead,” said Chief Ryan Torres, who leads a federal firefighting task force. “Our veteran crews, some of whom have fought wildfires for 20+ years, know how to read these fires. They’re prioritizing areas where homes are closest, and they’re working 12-hour shifts to keep up momentum.” Torres added that while fatigue is a concern, morale remains high: “Every fire we contain is a win for a community, and that keeps people going.”
The Emergency Department also noted that it’s coordinating with the National Weather Service (NWS) to track weather patterns that could impact fire behavior. “The NWS is predicting slightly cooler temperatures later this week, which could help, but humidity levels will still be low,” Hernandez said. “We’re hopeful for that break, but we’re not waiting for it—we’re fighting now.”
How to Stay Safe and Informed
For anyone living in or near fire-prone areas, officials stress three key steps: prepare, listen, and act. “Your go-bag should have enough supplies for 72 hours—water, food, meds, a flashlight, and copies of IDs,” Hernandez advised. “If you get an evacuation order, leave immediately—don’t wait to grab more things. Lives matter more than possessions.”
To stay informed, officials recommend following verified accounts: local fire departments on Twitter, county emergency management pages on Facebook, and FEMA’s official updates. “Misinformation spreads fast during crises,” Hernandez warned. “If you see a post about a fire spreading, check if it’s from an official source before sharing. Rumors can cause panic and keep people from taking the right steps.”
As the day ended, Hernandez closed the briefing with a message of unity—a tone that resonates with communities facing disaster. “We’ve seen time and time again how Americans come together during wildfires: neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers bringing meals to firefighters, communities rebuilding,” she said. “We’re making progress, but we need everyone’s help to get through this. Stay safe, stay alert, and we’ll get through this together.”