Oregon wildfire season approaches record acreage as 2026 burns over 2 million acres

Oregon is nearing a new record for land burned in a single wildfire season. As of Monday, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center reported that 60 large fires have consumed 2,014,481 acres across the state, compared with the 2,081,661 acres burned in 2024.

A Red Flag Warning for extreme fire danger has been issued for the southern Willamette Valley, and officials say the total could exceed the previous high in the coming weeks. > "What we're seeing is extremely receptive fuels. There's lightning and then right after the lightning there is a wind event plus high temperatures and then you already have these really dry receptive fuels. It's creating this extreme fire behavior," said Jessica Neujahr, spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Data from the Oregon Department of Forestry show that the share of human-caused wildfires has risen from 52% last year to 56% this year, even though most of the largest fires have natural origins. Neujahr warned that western communities should not assume they are immune, noting that human-started fires can spread quickly in receptive forest fuels.

Authorities urged residents to observe fire restrictions while camping, maintain vehicles to prevent sparks, and avoid dragging chains that could ignite dry grass. They also reminded the public to sign up for emergency alerts through OR-Alert and keep emergency kits ready.

The five largest fires currently active are Big Grass (336,779 acres, 19% contained), Rowe Creek Complex (320,834 acres, 53% contained), Coleman Creek (264,839 acres, 18% contained), Hay Creek Complex (200,292 acres, 97% contained) and Second Flat (105,432 acres, 40% contained). The final acreage total will be determined after the season ends.