Oregon Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Oregon - May 11, 2026

Overview

Oregon is facing an elevated fire risk and preparing for a potentially severe wildfire season due to historic heat, severe drought conditions, and a record-setting low snowpack across the Northwest. Nine counties are currently under emergency drought declarations. The combination of these factors has prompted state officials to prepare for a challenging summer, with May 2026 officially declared as Wildfire Awareness Month. The current National Preparedness Level for the broader region is escalating as resources are being readied for an early start to the peak season.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire season in Oregon has started unseasonably early this year. State fire experts note that the risk of significant wildland fires is projected to be above normal east of the Cascades beginning in June and spreading to southwestern Oregon in July. Firefighters are actively managing existing fires and preparing for new starts as conditions dry out.

Key Fires:

• Deschutes Fire: Located in Deschutes County, this fire started on May 1, 2026, from an escaped prescribed burn and has burned 2,589 acres. It is currently 70% contained. The fire is primarily fueled by timber, pine, and built-up forest floor vegetation. Crews are focusing on reinforcing containment lines and monitoring for hotspots.
• La Pine Fire: Though smaller at 20 acres, this early-season fire in March prompted the state's first Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders, highlighting the extreme dryness of rangeland and forest fuels even during the spring months.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies are utilizing the narrow windows of safe weather to conduct prescribed burns to reduce hazardous fuel loads. The Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District and Grayback Forestry recently conducted a 26-acre controlled underburn in the Ashland Watershed to restore fire-adapted forests. Similarly, the Deschutes Land Trust is planning prescribed burns at the Metolius Preserve. In Eastern Oregon, community burn groups are actively working to reduce rangeland and forest fuels.
Air Quality: Smoke from the Ashland Watershed prescribed burns and other regional pile burns may impact areas along the I-5 corridor, Granite Street, and downtown Ashland, particularly in the evening hours when smoke sags into the valleys. Residents in these areas should remain aware and use caution, utilizing air purifiers or N95 masks if sensitive to smoke.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: In central regions like Deschutes County, current conditions are mostly cloudy with temperatures around 54°F and moderate humidity (48%). However, a strong drying trend is forecasted over the coming weeks.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Pendleton issued a Drought Information Statement on May 8, 2026, confirming severe drought in central Oregon and moderate drought elsewhere. A potentially strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to bring warmer, drier conditions and dry lightning storms. While significant fire potential remains normal for the rest of May, it is forecast to become above normal from June through August. Residents should monitor local forecasts for Red Flag Warnings, which indicate that weather conditions are highly suitable for rapid fire spread should an ignition occur.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Governor Tina Kotek and state fire leaders urge all Oregonians to have an emergency plan in place, sign up for OR-Alert, and create defensible space around their homes by clearing dead brush and leaving a five-foot buffer around structures. Extreme caution is advised when starting campfires or burning debris.
Resource Allocation: Oregon's fire agencies have mobilized approximately 700 wildland firefighters and 300 fire trucks to protect 16 million acres this season. They are coordinating closely with over 300 local fire departments, as well as federal and tribal partners, to ensure an aggressive initial attack on new fire starts.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OR-Alert): oralert.gov
Oregon Smoke Information: oregonsmoke.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.