In 2023, wildfires burned 2,633,636 acres, the least on record according to the National Center for Environmental Information. Despite less acreage burned, the painful results were the same: hundreds of thousands of dollars in home damages and the loss of life worldwide.
Wildfires typically happen during the summer and peak between July and November due to hot, dry weather and winds. Wildfires, especially in the west, are unavoidable, but there are several ways to prepare and keep yourself and your home safe.
This year started with one of the most notable wildfires in recent history, devastating the LA area. Our guide on preparing for the 2025 wildfire season lets you know the updated wildfire forecast (released in July 2025) for regions across the United States, as well as tips and supplies to have on hand in case you’re in danger.
2025 U.S. Wildfire Season Forecast
The wildfire season forecast for 2025 in the United States anticipates persistent above-average temperatures across much of the country from July through September, coupled with evolving drought conditions in several key regions.
Precipitation is expected to remain above normal along portions of the Gulf Coast and Southeast. At the same time, much of the Western region, including the Intermountain West, the Great Basin, and the Central Plains, is likely to experience below-normal rainfall.
These conditions are expected to increase wildfire activity in already vulnerable areas.
Significant fire potential is forecasted to be above normal in multiple regions, including parts of Alaska, the central and northern Great Basin, southeast Oregon, northeast California, the Mid-Atlantic, the central and southern Appalachians, and portions of the Carolinas.
Elevated risks are also expected in southwest Utah, southern Nevada, southeast California, and the lee sides of the Hawaiian Islands.
Peak wildfire activity is expected in August, with particularly high vulnerability in the Great Basin, northern California, and the interior Pacific Northwest.
2025 Wildfire Season Forecast by Region
Forecasts are subject to frequent updates. For the most current outlooks, consult the NIFC Predictive Services.
Alaska 2025 Wildfire Forecast
Following early-season activity in May and June, Alaska is expected to experience a significant decline in wildfire risk after Independence Day due to sustained above-normal precipitation across most regions.
Northwest United States 2025 Wildfire Forecast
The Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, is likely to experience above-normal fire activity due to a combination of dry fuels, high temperatures, and below-average rainfall.
Central and eastern Oregon, as well as the northern Great Basin, are key concern areas.
Northern California and Hawaii 2025 Wildfire Forecast
Northern California will continue to face heightened fire potential, especially at lower elevations where fine fuels are abundant.
In Hawaii, dry trade winds and drought conditions will drive increased fire risk, particularly on the leeward sides of the islands.
Southern California 2025 Wildfire Forecast
Fire danger in Southern California is expected to intensify in late summer, with an above-normal potential in September driven by prolonged heat and dry offshore winds.
Coastal and inland foothill regions are particularly vulnerable to these impacts.
Southwest United States 2025 Wildfire Forecast
Southern Nevada, southwest Utah, and parts of southeast California are expected to remain at above-normal fire risk through July.
By late summer, the threat may expand into southeast Arizona and central New Mexico as monsoon moisture remains inconsistent.
Rocky Mountains 2025 Wildfire Forecast
The Northern Rockies, particularly in Montana and Wyoming, are expected to experience above-normal fire activity starting in July.
Limited precipitation and warm conditions are contributing factors, with fire potential peaking in August.
Eastern United States 2025 Wildfire Forecast
The central Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and Carolinas will face ongoing fire concerns in July due to expanding drought conditions and limited rainfall.
Flash drought scenarios may also accelerate the development of wildfires.
Southern United States 2025 Wildfire Forecast
Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Georgia are likely to experience above-normal fire potential in July, continuing a trend driven by soil moisture deficits and regional drought conditions.
Elevated risk also persists in portions of the Carolinas and southeastern Tennessee.
How to Prepare for the 2025 Wildfire Season
If you are in any of the areas above or near current wildfires, it is best to be prepared for any incoming danger.
Our guide for preparing for wildfires includes tips on what supplies to have stocked on your shelves, apps installed on your phone, and information on evacuation plans.
Have Emergency Supplies Readily Available
A prepared emergency kit with proper supplies could mean the difference between life and death during a fire-related emergency.
We recommend putting together a wildfire emergency kit including:
- Respirators and filters
- Chargers for electronics
- Face masks
- At least three days’ worth of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
- Proper medications
- A map with evacuation routes
- First aid kit
- Sanitation supplies
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio, such as an NOAA Radio
If possible, grab easy-to-carry valuables and irreplaceable items such as family photos within reach in the event of an evacuation.
Since they rely on us for their safety and wellbeing, we can’t forget about our four-legged friends. The Red Cross suggests having a second emergency kit ready, this one with them in mind. An emergency kit for your dog or cat should include:
- Leashes, harnesses, or carriers to prevent escape
- Plenty of food and clean water, plus bowls
- Toys, beds, and blankets (if easily moveable)
- Any relevant information regarding their medical condition, feeding schedule, and the name of your veterinarian
Keep Track of Fires in Your Area
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, you need a reliable way to keep an eye out for any fires in your area. Options include AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map, Weather.gov’s Hazard Map, and the Emergency Alert System on the NOAA Weather Radio.
Several good fire map apps available can be downloaded directly to your phone, which all allow you time to prepare and evacuate. Consider downloading ones like Wildfire Alert, DisasterAlert, AFIS, or Fireguard.
Know Your Community’s Evacuation Plans
In addition to being aware of your surroundings, it’s essential to know how to escape your surroundings if you need to. Research any evacuation plans your community has put into place, but go even further to find several ways to leave the area on your own.
When creating your evacuation plan, mark it clearly on a map and practice. When driving the route, look for any available shelters and mark them.
When preparing for evacuation, identify several accessible meeting points along the evacuation route in case you and your group become separated. Consider investing in walkie-talkies if your cell phone dies or you lose reception.
Prepare Your Home for Wildfires
Of course, an essential part of being ready for wildfire is ensuring your home is as safe as possible. It’s not just direct exposure to flames that can destroy your home: radiant heat and flying embers can also destroy homes and are responsible for many destroyed homes.
You can take steps to harden your home to increase the likelihood of its survival when fire hits. This includes retrofitting your roof, building surfaces with ignition-resistant or non-combustible materials, and installing dual-pane windows to reduce the chance of shattered glass.
Make sure your property includes defensible space. This space contains grass, trees, shrubs, and woodland that serve as a buffer between the fire and your home. This area will help slow or stop the fire and protect your home from catching fire due to heat, flame, or embers, while also providing firefighters with a safe working area.
Ready for Wildfire has a great guide to preparing your home, which you can view here.
Are You Preparing For Wildfire Season? LifeSecure Emergency Solutions Has The Supplies You Need.
A wildfire is one of the most devastating natural disasters, and with the season in full swing, it’s crucial to be prepared.
Always be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Stay informed by listening to local news and radio stations. Keep your emergency kit within easy reach and identify nearby shelters.
If you need supplies, our wide selection of non-perishable food, first-aid kits, and battery-operated radios provide enough protection to get your wildfire preparedness bag started.
