Oregon has officially surpassed its all-time wildfire acreage record. As of August 3, 2026 — just three days into the month — more than 2 million acres have burned across the state in the 2026 fire season, eclipsing the previous record of approximately 2,081,661 acres set in 2024. With roughly two months of fire season remaining, officials warn the total will continue to climb significantly.

A Season Like No Other

Oregon's 60 large fires have collectively burned 2,014,481 acres as of the latest reporting, according to KATU News citing Oregon Department of Forestry data. Fire agencies caution that these figures track only large fires and that final season totals are typically higher once all fires are accounted for. The previous record was itself a devastating milestone set just two years ago, making back-to-back record seasons an alarming sign of long-term trend.

August 1, 2026, saw a NIFC Predictive Services forecast flag above-normal fire potential across virtually all of northwestern Oregon — a forecast that has proven tragically accurate.

Coleman Creek Fire: Oregon's Largest Active Incident

The Coleman Creek Fire, burning east of Burns in Harney County, stands as Oregon's largest active fire at approximately 265,000 acres with only 18 percent containment. The blaze has forced the closure of nearly 70 miles of U.S. Highway and has pushed through rangeland and high desert terrain at a rate that has challenged even experienced fire crews. At one point, the fire advanced over 39,000 acres in roughly 24 hours, leaving firefighters unable to make meaningful containment progress.

Rowe Creek Complex: 323,951 Acres Near Fossil

The Rowe Creek Complex, located 10 miles south of Fossil in Wheeler County, is another of Oregon's megafires this season. As of August 3, the complex stood at 323,951 acres and approximately 55 percent containment, with 1,985 personnel assigned. The complex ignited on July 15 via lightning and has burned through tall grass, timber, and rangeland across north-central Oregon.

Multiple Other Large Fires Active Statewide

Oregon's fire situation is not limited to a handful of large incidents. Dozens of additional fires are burning across the state, with the Willamette Valley, southern Oregon Cascades, and eastern Oregon rangeland all experiencing active fire situations. Red flag conditions — including dry east winds, low relative humidity, and elevated temperatures — have repeatedly re-energized fire behavior on fires that crews had begun to bring under control.

  • Oregon 2026 season acres burned: 2,014,481+ (record)
  • Previous record: ~2,081,661 acres (2024)
  • Active large fires in Oregon: 33
  • Coleman Creek Fire: ~265,000 acres, 18% contained
  • Rowe Creek Complex: 323,951 acres, 55% contained

Oregon residents can find evacuation information, fire maps, and air quality updates at oregon.gov/OEM and through local county emergency management offices.