PNW Focus

Record-low snowpack, the warmest winter in Oregon history, and early fire activity are setting the stage for what officials warn could be one of the most severe wildfire seasons in Pacific Northwest history.

New research incorporating socioeconomic vulnerability data has identified more than 400 Pacific Northwest communities — including Cave Junction, Glendale, and La Pine — as facing greater wildfire risk than standard environmental models show.

Fast-moving flames near Biggs Junction forced the temporary closure of Interstate 84 this weekend as Oregon's 2026 wildfire season made an early and dramatic entrance. Fires also burned in Benton County, Washington and near Columbia Hills State Park.

Stage 1 campfire restrictions are in effect across Central Oregon public lands including the Deschutes National Forest just as the Memorial Day holiday weekend begins. Fire officials urge all visitors to know the rules and have a wildfire preparedness plan.

BLM fire restrictions took effect May 14 across all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington, while Central Oregon public lands entered Stage 1 restrictions on May 13 amid historically dry fuel conditions and low snowpack.

Fire restrictions are already in place across BLM lands in Oregon and Washington heading into Memorial Day weekend. Fire managers urge recreationists to know current rules, avoid spark-producing activities, and never leave a campfire unattended.

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is conducting spring prescribed fire operations to reduce fuel loads ahead of what forecasters warn could be an extreme 2026 fire season. Operations are coordinated with Oregon DEQ air quality standards.

BLM imposed enhanced fire restrictions across all Oregon and Washington BLM lands on May 14, citing extreme early-season heat and dryness. Officials warn 2026 could rival the worst fire years on record for the Pacific Northwest.

A fast-moving grass fire ignited May 21 near Othello, WA, on Hendricks Road, growing to 359 acres and 30% contained under BLM Spokane District management. Eastern Washington's critically dry fuel conditions are fueling concerns ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

New research identifies hundreds of Pacific Northwest communities facing higher wildfire risk than previously mapped — many of them smaller, lower-income towns with limited firefighting resources and home hardening capacity to protect against the growing threat.

Central Oregon public lands entered Stage 1 fire restrictions on May 18 as fuel conditions worsen ahead of summer. Meanwhile, the Flat Fire near Culver has reached 67% containment and all evacuation levels have been dropped to Level 1.

Record-low snowpack, severe drought in nine Oregon counties, and above-normal temperatures forecast through August are converging to create what fire managers call one of the most dangerous wildfire seasons in decades for the Pacific Northwest.

With the Pacific Northwest facing a potentially severe 2026 fire season, fire agencies are urging residents to act now during Wildfire Awareness Month — building defensible space, preparing go-bags, knowing evacuation zones, and planning for pets and livestock.

Washington state faces a potentially dangerous 2026 fire season following a statewide drought declaration in April, historically low snowpack, and forecasts projecting an earlier-than-normal onset of critical fire weather conditions across both eastern and western parts of the state.

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM entered Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions on May 18 due to high temperatures, low humidity, and predicted winds.

With fire restrictions already in place and forecasters warning of a severe 2026 season, Pacific Northwest residents should act now: know your evacuation zone, build defensible space, and pack a go-bag before fire is at your door.

Jackson and Josephine counties entered fire season May 16, with the Oregon Department of Forestry banning debris burning and fireworks across 1.8 million acres as drought and dry fuels raise early-season concerns.

Record-low snowpack, a statewide drought declaration, and an early spring melt are setting the stage for one of Washington's most dangerous wildfire seasons in recent history.

With fire restrictions already in effect and forecasters warning of an extreme 2026 fire season, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho residents should act now. This preparedness guide covers defensible space, evacuation planning, go-bags, smoke health guidance, and public lands safety.

Record-low snowpack melting out weeks early, a fourth consecutive drought declaration in Washington, and dire forecasts from federal fire agencies are pointing to a potentially extreme 2026 wildfire season across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.