With fire danger ratings at extreme levels across Central Oregon and above-normal fire potential forecast across the entire Pacific Northwest, multiple Oregon and Washington counties and fire districts have issued burn bans or fire restrictions — and authorities urge residents to take preparedness steps now, before fire reaches their community.

Burn Bans in Effect

Burn bans have been issued across multiple communities in Oregon and southwest Washington as fire conditions deteriorate. Active burn restrictions include:

  • Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue: Burn ban in effect for portions of Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Yamhill counties in Oregon.
  • Gresham Fire: Burn ban extends to Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Multnomah County Fire District 10.
  • Central Oregon federal lands: Fire restrictions are in place for ALL Central Oregon federal lands managed by the Deschutes National Forest, Prineville District BLM, and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, with the fire danger rating currently at EXTREME.
  • Deschutes National Forest: Campfires are prohibited; fireworks and exploding targets have been banned since March 23, 2026 under permanent fire safety regulations.

Why the Season Is Starting Early

Fire officials across the region cite a convergence of factors making the 2026 season particularly concerning:

  • Multi-year drought: Washington is in its fourth consecutive year of drought conditions, with Oregon and Idaho facing similar long-term moisture deficits.
  • Developing El Nino: Warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific are contributing to warmer, drier atmospheric patterns across the Northwest.
  • Below-normal snowpack: Reduced winter snowpack melted earlier than usual, leaving vegetation stressed and fuels abnormally dry heading into summer.
  • Above-normal spring temperatures: Early warmth accelerated curing of fine fuels including grasses and brush, advancing the onset of high fire danger by several weeks compared to historical averages.

The Deschutes National Forest elevated its fire danger to EXTREME before the end of June — which local fire officials note is unusually early and a strong signal that the season is underway in earnest.

Preparedness Steps for Residents

Fire agencies across the Pacific Northwest are urging residents — particularly those in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) — to take preparedness actions now:

  • Create defensible space: Clear dry vegetation, debris, and combustible materials at least 30 feet from your home. Extend to 100 feet on steep slopes.
  • Harden your home: Clean gutters of dry leaves and pine needles. Install ember-resistant vents. Replace wood shake roofs when possible.
  • Prepare a go-kit: Important documents, medications, phone chargers, water, food, and clothing for 72 hours. Know where your pets and livestock will go.
  • Know your evacuation routes: Identify at least two routes out of your neighborhood and practice them with family members.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts: Register with your county emergency management agency for wildfire and evacuation notifications.
  • Eliminate ignition sources: Do not park vehicles on dry grass; ensure tow chains are secured and cannot contact the ground; avoid using equipment that generates sparks during high fire danger periods.

Know Before You Go

If you are planning outdoor activities on federal or state lands in the Pacific Northwest this summer, check current fire restrictions before you leave home. Violating fire restrictions during a Red Flag Warning can result in fines and criminal charges — and far worse, a wildfire that destroys your neighbor's home.

  • Deschutes National Forest restrictions: fs.usda.gov/r6/deschutes
  • Central Oregon Fire Information: centraloregonfire.org
  • Oregon Department of Forestry: oregon.gov/odf
  • Washington DNR fire information: dnr.wa.gov
  • Idaho Department of Lands: idl.idaho.gov