Oregon’s Record-Breaking Wildfire Season Comes to an End

On Wednesday, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reported that all its districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2026 wildfire season.

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide across all jurisdictions this season, surpassing the previous record of 1.9 million acres set in 2024.

Reduced winter snowpack contributed to drought conditions and dry fuels across the state. Several lightning events, followed by hot, windy conditions, resulted in multiple new fires and rapid growth of existing fires.

Year-to-date, approximately 1,023 fires have occurred on ODF-protected lands, burning 226,557 acres. Despite the challenging conditions, ODF successfully kept 93% of fires on its protected lands to 10 acres or less.

ODF Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMT) were mobilized seven times during the season. The department also brought in a CIMT from Florida through a state-to-state mutual aid agreement to assume command of the East Evans Creek Fire after ODF CIMT 1 completed its assignment. In total, ODF brought in 280 resources from 19 states, provinces, and territories to support firefighting operations.

As Oregon transitions into fall and winter, ODF districts and fire managers are shifting their focus to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation, and planning efforts.

Commenting on the season, State Forester Kacey KC said:

“Safe but aggressive initial attack has been the cornerstone of ODF’s approach to firefighting through the department’s 115-year history. While the fire environment has dramatically increased in complexity over the years, we still do all we can to keep fires small to limit the impacts of fire and smoke on Oregonians, communities, and our natural resources.”

ODF Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams added:

“This season was one of the most demanding fire seasons we’ve ever experienced. The rapidly-changing and extreme fire conditions again tested the entire system nationwide, but everyone gave it all they had.”