Get A Free Quote NOW
(541) 246-9009
OR




Get a FREE Quote

Oregon’s Wildfire Crisis: Record-Breaking Acreage

You are currently viewing Oregon’s Wildfire Crisis: Record-Breaking Acreage
  • Post category:news

Oregon’s wildfire season is proving intense, with 1.3 million acres already consumed or burning, and 34 large fires currently active. Of these, five fires have exceeded 100,000 acres each.

Carol Connolly from the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center noted that Oregon might set a new record for wildfire damage this year. Historically, the region sees peak fire activity around mid-August, suggesting more fires are likely. The last time fires reached similar levels was in 2020, during the Labor Day Fires, when approximately 1.2 million acres burned across 11 counties. Those fires were devastating, claiming nine lives and over 5,000 homes. This year, fires have destroyed at least 30 homes and over 60 other structures, with one fatality reported—James Bailey Maxwell, a 74-year-old pilot, died while tackling the Falls Fire.

In response to the escalating situation, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency, requested federal assistance, and repeatedly invoked the Conflagration Act to mobilize resources. This measure was most recently applied to the Elk Lane Fire, which has ravaged nearly 5,100 acres in Jefferson County, and the Telephone Fire in Harney County, which has consumed over 50,000 acres and threatens numerous homes and buildings.

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office reported on social media that fire conditions are challenging but crews are holding their lines. The Conflagration Act allows the state fire marshal to deploy additional resources to protect communities under threat, such as those near the Telephone Fire.

Oregon has experienced cooler weather recently, but forecasts suggest a return to hot and dry conditions, likely increasing fire activity. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center warned that these changes would exacerbate existing fires as clouds and moisture decrease.

The ongoing fires have led the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to issue air quality alerts, warning of unhealthy smoky conditions in several counties. Smoke can aggravate health problems, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung issues.

The Diamond Complex, a cluster of nine fires burning over 6,600 acres in the Umpqua National Forest, is a major concern. It threatens homes, commercial buildings, utilities, and access to Crater Lake. Over 550 personnel and four helicopters are engaged in fighting these fires, with efforts possibly extending into mid-October.

Among the massive fires, the Durkee Fire in Baker and Malheur counties is the largest, having burned nearly 295,000 acres. It has destroyed four homes and 19 structures but is 86% contained, indicating that most of the perimeter is under control.

The Battle Mountain Complex, consisting of four fires west of Ukiah, has scorched more than 188,000 acres, destroying seven homes and ten structures. It is 39% contained, with crews continuing to secure the perimeter.

The Falls Fire near Burns has burned over 146,000 acres and is 75% contained. It has prompted evacuations and led to road and trail closures due to the threat of fire in timbered areas. It has also destroyed 13 homes and 15 other structures.

The Lone Rock Fire, southeast of Condon, has affected over 137,000 acres and is 92% contained. The Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that the fire’s growth is minimal, with efforts concentrated on containing it within already burned areas.

Lastly, the Cow Valley Fire in Malheur County, northwest of Ontario, has charred over 133,000 acres but is now 99% contained. It has resulted in the loss of two homes and five smaller structures.

Leave a Reply