Fire managers across Oregon and Washington are warning residents that the 2026 wildfire season is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous in recent memory, driven by a combination of record-low snowpack, prolonged drought, and above-normal temperatures forecast through the summer months.

Dire Snowpack and Drought Conditions

Western snowpack is at a 40-year low heading into the summer season, according to data compiled by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). The warm start to spring has accelerated snowmelt and advanced fuel drying, particularly east of the Cascades where fire risk is already elevated. Severe drought has been declared in nine Oregon counties, and soil moisture deficits across both states are well above historical averages for this time of year.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, joined by state fire and emergency management agencies, formally warned in early May that the 2026 wildfire season could be severe, with significant fire activity potentially beginning as early as June and lasting through October — a longer window than most recent years.

NIFC Outlook: Above-Normal Potential Across the Region

The National Interagency Fire Center's May 1 outlook calls for above-normal wildfire potential across a broad swath of the West, stretching from Arizona and New Mexico northward through Utah, Nevada, Idaho, western Montana, and into the Pacific Northwest east of the Cascades. The outlook specifically forecasts above-normal temperatures for Oregon and Washington through August, with limited mid-elevation snow available to moderate drying rates.

AccuWeather projects 5.5 to 8 million acres will burn nationally in 2026 — a figure that would rank among the worst years on record if realized. A report from OregonLive noted that states facing extreme wildfire risk this year include Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Utah, and Montana.

Early Fire Restrictions Already in Place

In response to these conditions, land management agencies have moved unusually early to impose fire restrictions. The Bureau of Land Management enacted fire restrictions on all BLM-administered lands throughout Oregon and Washington effective May 14 — weeks ahead of the typical summer timeline. Central Oregon public lands entered Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions on May 18, affecting the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and BLM Prineville District lands.

Restrictions prohibit open campfires outside of developed recreation sites, use of charcoal grills, and other ignition sources in fire-prone terrain. Violations carry civil and criminal penalties.

What Residents Should Do Now

  • Review your evacuation zones and routes at your county sheriff or emergency management website
  • Build or refresh a go-bag with at least 72 hours of supplies
  • Clear combustible vegetation within 30 feet of structures (defensible space)
  • Sign up for emergency alerts through your county notification system
  • Review and follow all fire restrictions before any outdoor activities

Fire officials emphasize that the window for safe prescribed burning and fuels treatment is rapidly closing. Residents living in the wildland-urban interface should treat preparation as urgent — not a summer project.