The Pacific Northwest is experiencing one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent memory, with the Northwest Geographic Area remaining at National Preparedness Level 5 — the highest possible — as of July 30, 2026. Oregon alone is home to 31 of the nation's 84 large active fires, more than any other state, while Washington contributes an additional 13. Together, the two states account for more than half of all large fires burning in the United States.

National Picture

According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), firefighters battled 84 large fires nationally as of July 29, burning a combined 2,634,089 acres. A total of 26,036 firefighters and support personnel — including 582 crews, 1,501 engines, and 168 helicopters — are engaged in fire activity across the country. Nine new large fires were reported in a single day, underscoring the relentless pace of the season.

Year-to-date, 43,145 fires have burned more than 4.5 million acres across the United States, exceeding the 10-year average for both number of fires and total acreage. By comparison, the same period in 2025 saw roughly 40,247 fires burning 3.1 million acres.

Northwest Geographic Area

The Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC) reports 45 uncontained large fires in the region, with 18 Complex Incident Management Teams (IMTs) assigned across Oregon and Washington. The sheer volume and scale of the fires have stretched local and national resources to their limits, prompting the activation of the Oregon National Guard to assist with suppression and search-and-rescue efforts.

  • Oregon: 31 large fires — the most of any state in the nation
  • Washington: 13 large fires, including the 124,000-acre Kaiser Canyon Fire
  • Idaho: 2 large fires, including the Tartar Fire near Weiser

Major Oregon Fires at a Glance

Among the most significant active fires in Oregon as of July 30:

  • Rowe Creek Complex — 295,132 acres, 39% contained, south of Fossil (Wheeler/Wasco counties)
  • Big Grass Fire — 288,120 acres, 5% contained, near Jordan Valley
  • Coleman Creek Fire — 146,293 acres, 0% contained, near Juntura (Harney/Malheur counties)
  • Second Flat Fire — 92,443 acres, 6% contained, Burns District BLM
  • Bald Mountain Fire — 76,099 acres, 1% contained, southeast of Burns
  • Shingle Fire — 63,253 acres, 6% contained, southeast of Mitchell
  • Bench Fire — 45,119 acres, 3% contained, south of Warm Springs
  • Grasshopper Fire — 15,000 acres, 0% contained, west of Wamic (Mt. Hood NF)

Outlook

Hot, dry conditions are expected to persist across much of the region in the coming days. Minimum relative humidity across the Northwest is forecast at 10 to 20 percent, with a very slight chance of dry thunderstorms in the Blue Mountains — a concern for new ignitions. Firefighting resources remain heavily committed, and officials warn the public to check local fire restrictions before traveling or recreating in affected areas.

Residents in fire-prone areas are urged to monitor evacuation orders through county sheriff offices, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, and the Genasys emergency notification system.