• Extreme drought fuels rapid wildfire growth in South Florida’s Big Cypress Preserve

    ByTeo Blašković

    A fast-moving wildfire known as the National Fire burned approximately 10 117 ha (25 000 acres) in Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier County, Florida, between February 22 and 25, 2026, expanding from about 405 ha (1 000 acres) and remaining at 0% containment. The fire spread under extreme drought conditions, affecting nearly all of Florida. Smoke reduced visibility along Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley), State Road 29, and U.S. 41, prompting transportation advisories and area closures.

  • Wildfires trigger Agricultural Emergency as Texas activates expanded state response ahead of critical fire danger

    ByReet Kaur

    Wildfires burning across the Texas Panhandle and West Texas prompted Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller to declare an Agricultural Emergency on February 18, 2026, while Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional state wildfire response resources ahead of elevated-to-critical fire weather conditions across South, West, and Northwest Texas. Extremely critical fire danger continues across portions of the state as dry fuels and periodic wind gusts persist.

  • Ranger Road Fire doubles in size in one day, reaching over 114 650 ha (283 000 acres) in Kansas-Oklahoma

    ByTeo Blašković

    The Ranger Road Fire nearly doubled in size from 58 700 ha (145 000 acres) to over 114 650 ha (283 000 acres) within roughly 24 hours after ignition at 11:40 LT on February 17, 2026, when it crossed the Kansas–Oklahoma border. As of February 18, containment stood at 15% following rapid expansion driven by dry fuels and high winds. Authorities closed sections of Kansas highways 283, 160, and 183.

  • State of Emergency declared in Oklahoma as wildfires scorch over 72 770 ha (155 000 acres)

    ByRishav Kothari

    Multiple wildfires burning across Oklahoma have scorched over 62 720 ha (155 000 acres) as of February 18, 2026, prompting Governor Kevin Stitt to declare a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas, and Woodward counties. The Ranger Road Fire alone burned approximately 58 700 ha (145 000 acres) across Oklahoma and southern Kansas, with 0% containment reported.

  • Rapid overnight growth pushes Ranger Road Fire across Oklahoma–Kansas border, 4 firefighters injured

    ByTeo Blašković

    A fast-moving Ranger Road Fire ignited on February 17, 2026, in Beaver County, Oklahoma, and expanded into southern Kansas by February 18, burning approximately 58 700 ha (145 000 acres) within hours. The wildfire prompted mandatory evacuations in Clark County, Kansas, and injured at least four firefighters during suppression efforts.

  • Garnet Fire spreads into McKinley Grove of ancient sequoias, Sierra National Forest, California

    ByTeo Blašković

    A lightning-sparked wildfire known as Garnet Fire entered the McKinley Grove of giant ancient sequoias in California’s Sierra National Forest on September 8, 2025. Firefighters reported ember ignition in upper branches but no complete canopy burn. Containment stands at about 15% after burning 22 000 ha (55 000 acres) since igniting on August 24.

  • Historic Gold Rush town of Chinese Camp suffers major losses in 6-5 Fire

    ByRishav Kothari

    The 6-5 Fire, part of the TCU September Lightning Complex, has burned more than 2 400 ha (6 000 acres) in Tuolumne County, California, since igniting on September 2, 2025, destroying at least five homes in the historic settlement of Chinese Camp and forcing evacuations. Containment remains at zero percent.