07/18/2026
🚨 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL RAISED TO PL5 🚨
As of 7:30 a.m. on July 18, the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) has raised the nation to Preparedness Level 5 (PL5)—the highest national wildfire preparedness level in the United States.
A PL5 designation signifies that wildfire activity has reached extreme levels across the country. Firefighting resources are heavily committed, with multiple large and complex incidents occurring simultaneously. As a result, the availability of additional crews, engines, aircraft, incident management teams, and specialized equipment may become increasingly limited as agencies prioritize resources where they are needed most.
This is a reminder of the tremendous demands being placed on our wildland firefighters and support personnel. Stay informed, be prepared, and do your part to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
Stay safe. Stay vigilant.
— Will Spyrison
Retired Division Chief | InciNotes Administrator