PNW Focus

Record-low snowpack, severe drought in nine Oregon counties, and above-normal temperatures forecast through August are converging to create what fire managers call one of the most dangerous wildfire seasons in decades for the Pacific Northwest.

With the Pacific Northwest facing a potentially severe 2026 fire season, fire agencies are urging residents to act now during Wildfire Awareness Month — building defensible space, preparing go-bags, knowing evacuation zones, and planning for pets and livestock.

Washington state faces a potentially dangerous 2026 fire season following a statewide drought declaration in April, historically low snowpack, and forecasts projecting an earlier-than-normal onset of critical fire weather conditions across both eastern and western parts of the state.

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM entered Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions on May 18 due to high temperatures, low humidity, and predicted winds.

With fire restrictions already in place and forecasters warning of a severe 2026 season, Pacific Northwest residents should act now: know your evacuation zone, build defensible space, and pack a go-bag before fire is at your door.

Jackson and Josephine counties entered fire season May 16, with the Oregon Department of Forestry banning debris burning and fireworks across 1.8 million acres as drought and dry fuels raise early-season concerns.

Record-low snowpack, a statewide drought declaration, and an early spring melt are setting the stage for one of Washington's most dangerous wildfire seasons in recent history.

With fire restrictions already in effect and forecasters warning of an extreme 2026 fire season, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho residents should act now. This preparedness guide covers defensible space, evacuation planning, go-bags, smoke health guidance, and public lands safety.

Record-low snowpack melting out weeks early, a fourth consecutive drought declaration in Washington, and dire forecasts from federal fire agencies are pointing to a potentially extreme 2026 wildfire season across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

A new Oregon State University tool combining physical fire hazard data with social vulnerability indicators found that 459 communities across the Pacific Northwest face higher wildfire risk than previously estimated. Communities like Warm Springs, Oregon and Goldendale, Washington were specifically flagged.

Washington state is preparing for a potentially historic wildfire season amid record drought, snowpack at 50% of normal, and fire moving into areas like Western Washington that have historically been lower-risk. Fire managers warn of workforce strain heading into the most demanding season in years.

Even as early fire restrictions take effect across BLM lands, forest managers are pushing ahead with spring prescribed burn programs in Oregon and Washington — completing critical fuel reduction work before the window closes ahead of what could be an extreme fire season.

A convergence of record-low snowpack, statewide drought, and above-normal spring temperatures has put the Pacific Northwest on a collision course with what forecasters warn could be one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent history.

With one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in years shaping up across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, May's Wildfire Awareness Month is the right time to create defensible space, know your evacuation zone, and sign up for emergency alerts.

Campfires are banned on most Central Oregon public lands beginning May 18, 2026, as the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville BLM enter Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Washington DNR officials warn of a potentially severe 2026 wildfire season driven by record-low snowpack, a statewide drought declaration, and fuels that are drying out a full month ahead of schedule.

NIFC's seasonal outlook flags the Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Bitterroot National Forests at above-normal fire potential beginning in June, driven by low snowpack and early fuel dry-out.

Idaho fire officials are warning of critical fire weather conditions arriving early, with hot temps, strong winds, and drying fuels pushing the state into elevated wildfire risk weeks ahead of typical peak season.

Oregon's snowpack is at historic lows following a warm, rain-heavy winter, and drought conditions now cover much of the state. Fire managers say the 2026 season could be one of the most challenging in recent memory.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and this year Pacific Northwest residents have real reasons to prepare now. Here's what families in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho need to do before fire season peaks.