WildfireTop story
Oregon's 2026 fire season is over, and it set a record for acres burned
Evacuation notices peaked July 27 with 18,193 people on Level 1
Source: opb
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| Value | |
|---|---|
| Level 1 "Be Ready" | 18,193 |
| Level 2 "Be Set" | 8,077 |
| Level 3 "Go Now!" | 6,344 |
If you were waiting to burn debris, ODF's fire restrictions on ODF-protected land are off. All Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, closing the 2026 season. Many structural fire departments may still require a debris-burning permit, though, and slash burning needs one year-round. We suggest checking the Before You Burn website or your local ODF office first.
It was a record year. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center counts more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide, past 2024's 1.9 million. OPB reports ODF's figure of more than 2.1 million acres, with 1,813 fires reported, fewer than the roughly 2,100 average since 2022.
- Homes destroyed by large fires: 56
- Firefighting cost: topped $235 million
- Lives lost: two men working the fires
- Help brought in: 280 resources from 19 states, provinces and territories
ODF says it is now shifting to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning.
ODF held 93% of fires on its protected land to 10 acres or less
93%Share of fires kept at 10 acres or less on ODF-protected land
Source: News Radio 1190 KEX
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| Value | |
|---|---|
| Share of fires kept at 10 acres or less on ODF-protected land | 93% |
