Forecasters are warning that the Pacific Northwest faces a significantly elevated wildfire risk this summer, with the National Interagency Fire Center's seasonal outlook projecting above-average significant wildfire potential across all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and southwest Montana by August — conditions expected to persist into September.

A Season Already Running Hot

The 2026 fire season is shaping up to be one of the most active on record nationally. By June 1, more than 30,298 fires had burned approximately 2.4 million acres across the United States — well above the 10-year average of roughly 21,232 fires and 1.2 million acres for the same period. That puts 2026 at approximately 140% of average fire count and double the average acreage burned by this date.

A combination of factors is driving the elevated risk across the Northwest:

  • Below-normal snowpack: Depleted snow water equivalent across the Cascades and northern Rockies means forest fuels are drying out earlier than usual.
  • Early seasonal warmth: Above-normal temperatures in April and May accelerated fuel curing at lower elevations.
  • Below-normal precipitation: Most of the interior West recorded well below-normal precipitation in recent months.
  • Long-range dry signal: NIFC's outlook through September continues a below-normal precipitation tilt over the Northwest.

Private Forecasters Echo Federal Outlook

AccuWeather's summer forecast identifies the Interior Northwest — including parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming — as among the highest wildfire risk regions in the country this year. A recent Heatmap News analysis concluded that above-average significant wildfire potential is expected to consume nearly the entire northwest corner of the U.S. by August, with elevated risk continuing into September.

May Warning Sign Near Bend

An early warning sign came in early May when a prescribed fire on the Deschutes National Forest southeast of Bend, Oregon escaped its planned burn area and grew to nearly 2,900 acres before being fully contained as the Pine Mountain Fire. It was a reminder that fire behavior can turn quickly even before the traditional peak of fire season.

What Residents Should Do Now

  • Sign up for emergency alerts through your county's notification system
  • Create defensible space of at least 30 feet around your home
  • Prepare a go-bag with essential documents, medications, and supplies
  • Know your evacuation routes and have a family communication plan
  • Check homeowner's insurance coverage before fire season peaks

The National Interagency Fire Center maintains a current seasonal outlook at nifc.gov. State emergency management agencies in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are encouraging residents in fire-prone areas to begin preparedness activities now, before conditions become critical.