Oregon Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Oregon - July 22, 2026

Overview

Oregon is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to hot, dry weather, gusty winds, and dry vegetation, compounded by thousands of recent lightning strikes across the state. This combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires, particularly across North-Central and Eastern Oregon.
The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 5, indicating National resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active large fires in Oregon, and significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas, requiring national support to manage incident objectives. Over 300,000 acres have burned statewide. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days remains high. Firefighters are working to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts driven by incoming thunderstorms.

Key Fires:
Rowe Creek Complex: Burning southwest of Fossil across Wheeler, Wasco, and Crook counties, this complex has reached 149,976 acres and is currently 24% contained. The complex includes the 132,746-acre Crosswhite Fire. Ignited by lightning, it is fueled by dry grass, brush, and juniper timber. The fire exhibits active behavior with running, torching, and spotting. It threatens structures and communication infrastructure, prompting Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices. Firefighters are prioritizing public safety, structure protection, and securing lines along Highway 218 and the John Day River.

Hay Creek Complex: Located in Gilliam County, this complex has burned approximately 116,131 acres and is currently 67% contained. Fueled by grass, brush, and timber, it has exhibited active fire behavior with flanking and backing. Firefighters are patrolling for hotspots and strengthening containment lines to protect nearby homes and outbuildings.

Brewer Fire: Located roughly 15 miles east of Madras across Crook and Jefferson counties, this fire has grown to 27,931 acres and is 5% contained. Fueled by grass, brush, and timber, it is showing active fire behavior with running, torching, and spotting. Numerous structures and energy infrastructure are threatened, with evacuations and road closures in effect.

Akawa Butte Fire: Burning northeast of Sisters in Deschutes and Jefferson counties, this fire is currently 13,605 acres and 3% contained. Fueled by timber, brush, and grass, it is exhibiting extreme fire behavior with group torching, running, and spotting. The fire threatens numerous structures and critical infrastructure, prompting Level 1 and 3 evacuation orders. Crews are working to establish control lines with heavy equipment and aerial support.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger and high volume of active wildfires, extensive burn bans and fire restrictions have been implemented across the state. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has closed all BLM-managed land along both sides of the John Day River from Service Creek to the Columbia River. Additional area, road, and trail closures are in effect in multiple counties, including Crook and Wallowa, to ensure public and firefighter safety.
Air Quality: Smoke from the numerous large wildfires is rapidly deteriorating air quality across central and eastern Oregon, contributing to widespread, very unhealthy air quality conditions. Residents should be aware and use caution, especially those in sensitive groups.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Temperatures are in the 90s with relative humidity between 20-25%. Light terrain-influenced winds are present but are expected to increase as storm cells move into the area.
Forecasted Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM today across Central Oregon for abundant lightning, atmospheric instability, and gusty outflow winds of up to 40 mph. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop, which may bring erratic winds that could increase fire activity and cause rapid spread of existing fires. The potential for new fire starts is high due to the anticipated lightning.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic, heavy fire equipment, and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere to all Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders issued by local sheriff's offices, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions in steep, rugged terrain. Agencies are prioritizing structure protection and reallocating resources, including heavy equipment and aerial support, to the most critical areas as weather and smoke conditions allow.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.