Today, June 15, 2026, marks the official start of statewide fire season across Oregon — meaning open burning restrictions are now in effect across Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF)-protected lands statewide, from the Coast Range to the Blue Mountains.

What Changes Today

With the declaration of fire season, activities such as backyard burning, agricultural debris burning, and other open burning are now prohibited across ODF-protected lands. Fire season in Oregon typically runs from June 15 through October 15, though ODF can extend or shorten the period based on actual weather and fuel conditions.

The Northwest Oregon Area (NWOA) — which includes ODF protection districts stretching from the Coast to the Portland metro — officially enters fire season at 12:01 a.m. today. This is earlier than usual for some western Oregon districts, driven by an early-season heat wave that has stressed vegetation across the region.

Southern Oregon Already Under Elevated Danger

Southern Oregon has been ahead of the curve this year. Jackson and Josephine counties entered fire season restrictions back in May 2026, and ODF's Southwest Oregon District raised fire danger to Moderate (Blue) on June 11 — covering approximately 1.8 million acres of ODF-protected lands in the region.

"Even though we don't technically enter fire season until June 15, we strongly recommend not burning this weekend due to the very hot conditions," ODF spokeswoman Jessica Neujahr said earlier this week.

County-Level Burn Bans Also Active

Several Oregon counties have enacted their own burn bans that go into effect today alongside the state declaration:

  • Washington County: Backyard burning, agricultural burning, and all open burning banned starting 12:01 a.m. June 15, announced by the county's fire agencies.
  • Portland: Portland Fire & Rescue has announced a city-wide burn ban beginning June 15.
  • Lincoln County: A debris burn ban is now in effect as dry conditions elevate fire danger along the Oregon Coast.
  • Clatsop County: Open debris burning is prohibited starting June 15, with campfires requiring additional restrictions.

Why This Matters

The 2026 Oregon fire season is shaping up to be potentially severe, according to state officials. Snowpack was below average in many Oregon mountain ranges this past winter, and an early summer heat wave has accelerated drying of grasses and brush across the state. Year-to-date, national fire statistics already show 2026 well above 10-year averages for both fire starts and acres burned.

What Oregonians Should Do Now

  • Do not attempt any open burning — violations can result in fines and liability for suppression costs.
  • Create defensible space around your home: clear dry vegetation within 30 feet, clean gutters, and screen vents.
  • Sign up for your county's emergency alert system (OR-Alert statewide).
  • Prepare a go-bag and know your evacuation routes before fire season gets active.

Campfires in designated campgrounds may still be allowed depending on jurisdiction — check with your local forest or BLM office before lighting any fire.