During 2011, a total of 73,484 wildfires burned an estimated 8,706,852 acres (35,235 square kilometers) of land across the United States. Wildfire activity during 2011 was exceptionally high and was only exceeded in the historical record by wildfire activity during the years 2006 and 2007, according to preliminary data released from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).

MORE: NASF has released its annual Communities at Risk Report, which helps provide a national snapshot of wildland fire risk, preparedness and capacity.