The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration along with the National Interagency Fire Center have declared heightened wildfire hazards for seven states in the Western US. This declaration comes as a result of drought, low humidity levels, and high temperatures combining to create severe fire conditions in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oregon. Experts caution that the wildfire season in 2026 is expected to be one of the most perilous in recent years. FEMA is strategically positioning firefighting aircraft in anticipation of the peak danger period from June to August. Federal authorities alert that almost 70 million individuals in these seven states are at a considerable health risk due to wildfire smoke.
