The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officially announced Friday that Oregon's statewide fire season will begin June 15 — earlier than some years — as a dangerous heat wave is expected to push temperatures well above normal across western Oregon and Washington this weekend and into early next week.

Heat Wave Collides with Fire Season Start

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning Friday for the greater Portland metro area, the western Columbia River Gorge, and parts of Clark County in Washington, running from 11 a.m. Sunday through 11 p.m. Tuesday. High temperatures are expected to reach into the upper 90s and low 100s across the Willamette Valley.

ODF Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams says a convergence of factors has created dangerous early-season conditions: historically low snowpack, a relatively dry spring, and now a prolonged heat event. "Mowing tall dry grass late in the afternoon when it's windy and hot — that may not be a good idea," Williams warned. "We'd really ask folks to think things through."

Burn Bans Now in Place

Ahead of the official fire season start, several agencies have already issued burn bans and restrictions:

  • Portland Fire and Rescue announced a full burn ban beginning June 15, covering recreational campfires, fire pits, and yard debris burning.
  • Washington County enacted a burn ban effective the same date.
  • Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue issued burn restriction notices for its jurisdiction.
  • Southern Oregon counties including Jackson and Josephine entered fire season restrictions in May 2026.

ODF spokeswoman Jessica Neujahr urged caution even before restrictions take effect: "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."

Rapid Fire Spread a Real Risk

Chief Deputy Travis Medema of the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office highlighted the range of everyday ignition sources that become dangerous under these conditions: dragging chains on pavement, sparks from power tools, and discarded cigarette butts. "Fires under these types of conditions — these big thermal ridges — can start easier because fuels are drier and more receptive to burn," Medema said. "And they spread really rapidly."

Both ODF and the State Fire Marshal's Office say they have prepared for this year's season with additional staffing, resources, and new fire management tools. The forecast for the remainder of June and through summer is not encouraging, with above-normal fire potential predicted across the entire Northwest Geographic Area.

What to Expect This Season

Fire season in Oregon typically runs from mid-May through the first significant fall rains. With an early onset and a dry outlook, residents in fire-prone areas are being urged to prepare now. Defensible space, an up-to-date evacuation plan, and knowledge of local emergency alert systems are the three most important steps families can take today.