Oregon Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Oregon - June 22, 2026

Overview

Oregon is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by a convergence of record-low snowpack, dangerous heat, and severe drought conditions currently affecting 17 counties across the state. In response to these extreme conditions, Governor Kotek recently declared a state of emergency for wildfires, which will remain in effect through the end of the fire season. This proactive measure allows local and state fire authorities to access all available resources, including aerial support and emergency personnel, to prevent and respond to fires.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Oregon, with significant wildland fire activity occurring in several geographic areas. Recent lightning strikes and a prolonged hot, dry spell have sparked new blazes, requiring coordinated state and national support to manage incident objectives. Firefighters are actively working to contain these fires while navigating steep terrain and hazardous conditions.

Key Fires:
Diamond Complex: Located in Douglas County, this complex consists of multiple fires that have burned over 2,800 acres. Most of these fires appear to have been caused by lightning and are fueled by timber and heavy forest understory. Level 2 ("BE SET") evacuations are currently in place for the Soda Springs and Pine Bench areas. Several campgrounds and recreation areas have been closed to protect public safety.

Ore Fire: Burning approximately 645 acres about seven miles northeast of Blue River in the Willamette National Forest. The fire is burning in very steep, rugged terrain, fueled by dense timber. Firefighters are facing hazards from falling rocks and rolling debris, prompting crews to preemptively cut down hazardous trees to protect personnel. While there are no evacuations for populated areas, several trails and campgrounds are closed.

Wickiup Fire: Located in Central Oregon, this fire has burned over 200 acres. It was sparked during a recent hot, dry spell and is fueled by brush and timber. The fire, along with the nearby Round Mountain Fire, has resulted in localized recreation area closures.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies have been conducting operations to reduce fuel loads, but extreme conditions have heightened risks. Notably, the Pine Mountain Prescribed Burn in Central Oregon was recently declared a wildfire after escaping containment lines due to shifting winds and dry fuels. Outdoor burning is currently not recommended across much of the state.
Air Quality: Smoke from the active wildfires, particularly the Diamond Complex and Ore Fire, may impact air quality in surrounding communities and the Willamette Valley. Residents in affected areas should monitor local air quality indexes and use caution, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Dangerous heat and extreme drought conditions persist across much of the state, creating a highly receptive environment for fire ignitions.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Pendleton has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which will be in effect over the next 72 hours during peak afternoon and evening hours. This warning covers the Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, the Eastern Columbia River Gorge, and the Central Mountains of Oregon. West winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected, alongside relative humidity levels dropping as low as 9 percent. Any fire that develops in these conditions will catch and spread quickly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic, potential smoke impacts, and rapidly changing conditions. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, especially for those in Level 2 evacuation zones like Soda Springs and Pine Bench. Due to the Red Flag Warning and extremely dry fuels, all outdoor burning should be avoided.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging, steep conditions. The recent state of emergency declaration is actively facilitating the deployment of additional firefighting crews, heavy equipment, and aerial support to clear high-risk areas and establish containment lines.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Oregon Department of Forestry: www.oregon.gov/odf
Oregon Emergency Management: www.oregon.gov/oem

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.