Oregon has officially closed the books on what state fire officials are calling the most destructive wildfire season in the state’s recorded history. On November 4, 2026, the Oregon Department of Forestry announced that all of its districts had terminated fire restrictions, marking the formal end of a season that burned more than 2.5 million acres statewide—shattering the previous record of 1.9 million acres set in 2024.
“This season was one of the most demanding we’ve ever experienced,” said Kyle Williams, ODF deputy director of fire operations.
How the Season Unfolded
The catastrophic 2026 season was set in motion early. Oregon’s worst snowpack on record led to severe drought conditions and critically dry fuels by spring. When summer lightning storms arrived, they were followed by hot, windy conditions that caused multiple fires to ignite and grow rapidly. Fires erupted across nearly every region of the state, filling communities from the Walla Walla Valley to the Willamette Valley with thick, hazardous smoke for weeks on end.
Major incidents included the Rowe Creek Complex in Central Oregon, which burned nearly 150,000 acres. The Hagen Fire near Tollgate burned more than 61,000 acres, and the Paradise Fire on the Washington-Oregon border consumed over 9,600 acres. Central Oregon fire activity in particular produced widespread smoke that affected communities far outside the immediate fire perimeter.
ODF’s Protective Record
On the land that ODF directly protects, the agency recorded 1,023 fires burning 226,557 acres. Notably, 93 percent of those blazes were successfully held to 10 acres or less—a testament to aggressive initial attack operations.
“Safe but aggressive initial attack has been the cornerstone of ODF’s approach to firefighting through the department’s 115-year history,” said State Forester Kacey KC. “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.”
Governor Thanks Firefighters and Communities
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement thanking the thousands of firefighters and agency personnel who responded throughout the season. “Oregon’s resilience shines brightest in moments like these and I am deeply grateful for the courage and collaboration that carried us through,” she said.
Burn Restrictions Lifted, With Caveats
With ODF’s fire season officially ended, ODF-imposed fire restrictions have been lifted on the lands the agency protects. However, residents should be aware that many local fire departments may still require permits for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round. Oregonians are encouraged to check the Before You Burn website (beforeyouburn.net) or contact their local ODF district office before igniting any outdoor burn.
The end of fire season marks a moment of both relief and reflection for a state that has watched its fire seasons grow steadily longer and more intense over the past decade. Planning for 2027 prevention, mitigation, and resource positioning has already begun.