Oregon Ends Record Wildfire Season With More Than 2.5 Million Acres Burned
Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season has ended after more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide, setting a new record. All Oregon Department of Forestry districts have lifted fire restrictions, though local burning permit requirements may still apply.
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season has ended after fires burned more than 2.5 million acres statewide, surpassing the previous record of 1.9 million acres set in 2024.
The Oregon Department of Forestry announced November 4 that all of its districts have lifted fire restrictions. The statewide acreage figure, reported by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, includes lands across all jurisdictions.
ODF attributed the difficult season to a combination of reduced winter snowpack, drought and dry vegetation. Several lightning events, followed by hot and windy weather, sparked new fires and helped existing fires spread rapidly.
On lands protected by ODF, approximately 1,023 fires have burned 226,557 acres so far this year. The department reported keeping 93% of fires within its protection area to 10 acres or less.
State Forester Kacey KC credited the department’s emphasis on quickly attacking new fires, saying that approach remains central to limiting damage and reducing smoke impacts as firefighting conditions become more complex.
The season also required substantial assistance from outside Oregon. ODF brought in 280 resources from 19 states, provinces and territories to support firefighting operations.
The department’s Complex Incident Management Teams mobilized seven times. A team from Florida also took command of the East Evans Creek Fire after an Oregon team reached the end of its assignment.
Governor Tina Kotek thanked firefighters, landowners, contractors, Tribal Nations, local governments, the Oregon National Guard and other responders for their work protecting communities throughout the season.
With fire season over, ODF crews and managers are turning their attention to prevention, reducing hazardous vegetation and planning for future fires.
Residents considering outdoor burning should still check local requirements. The lifting of ODF restrictions does not eliminate permit requirements that may remain in place through local fire departments. Slash burning requires a permit year-round.
Residents should contact their local ODF office or fire department before starting a burn.
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