PNW Focus

A new Oregon State University tool combining physical fire hazard data with social vulnerability indicators found that 459 communities across the Pacific Northwest face higher wildfire risk than previously estimated. Communities like Warm Springs, Oregon and Goldendale, Washington were specifically flagged.

Washington state is preparing for a potentially historic wildfire season amid record drought, snowpack at 50% of normal, and fire moving into areas like Western Washington that have historically been lower-risk. Fire managers warn of workforce strain heading into the most demanding season in years.

Even as early fire restrictions take effect across BLM lands, forest managers are pushing ahead with spring prescribed burn programs in Oregon and Washington — completing critical fuel reduction work before the window closes ahead of what could be an extreme fire season.

A convergence of record-low snowpack, statewide drought, and above-normal spring temperatures has put the Pacific Northwest on a collision course with what forecasters warn could be one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent history.

With one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in years shaping up across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, May's Wildfire Awareness Month is the right time to create defensible space, know your evacuation zone, and sign up for emergency alerts.

Campfires are banned on most Central Oregon public lands beginning May 18, 2026, as the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM enter Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Washington DNR officials warn of a potentially severe 2026 wildfire season driven by record-low snowpack, a statewide drought declaration, and fuels that are drying out a full month ahead of schedule.

NIFC's seasonal outlook flags the Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Bitterroot National Forests at above-normal fire potential beginning in June, driven by low snowpack and early fuel dry-out.

Idaho fire officials are warning of critical fire weather conditions arriving early, with hot temps, strong winds, and drying fuels pushing the state into elevated wildfire risk weeks ahead of typical peak season.

Oregon's snowpack is at historic lows following a warm, rain-heavy winter, and drought conditions now cover much of the state. Fire managers say the 2026 season could be one of the most challenging in recent memory.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and this year Pacific Northwest residents have real reasons to prepare now. Here's what families in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho need to do before fire season peaks.

BLM and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service have imposed fire restrictions on all public lands in Oregon and Washington starting May 14, citing record-low snowpack and drought. Violations carry fines up to $100,000.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and with the Pacific Northwest on track for an active 2026 season, now is the time to create defensible space, harden your home, build a go-bag, and sign up for emergency alerts.

A statewide drought declaration, record-low snowpack, and a grim NIFC season outlook have Washington fire managers warning that 2026 could be among the worst wildfire years the state has seen. Even Western Washington faces elevated risk.

BLM fire prevention orders took effect May 14 in Oregon and Washington, and May 10 in Idaho, banning fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary devices on public lands through fall. Officials warn 2026 could be an extreme fire year.

Gov. Tina Kotek received a statewide wildfire briefing and declared May Wildfire Awareness Month, warning that record drought, low snowpack, and rising human-caused ignitions signal a dangerous 2026 fire season for Oregon.

With forecasters warning of an above-normal 2026 fire season in the Pacific Northwest, fire agencies are urging residents to use Wildfire Awareness Month to create defensible space, plan evacuations, and practice fire-safe behaviors — starting today.

The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service are implementing fire restrictions on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington beginning May 14, prohibiting fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary devices as officials warn 2026 could be an extreme fire year.

With a historically dangerous fire season ahead, May is the right time for Pacific Northwest homeowners to build defensible space, prepare go-bags, and know their evacuation zone before the first spark flies.

BLM and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will ban fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary devices on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington beginning May 14, citing extreme drought and heat risk.