SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season has officially come to an end, but the damage left behind marks one of the most destructive fire seasons in the state’s recorded history.
The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Wednesday that all of its districts have terminated seasonal fire restrictions following a year in which more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide across all jurisdictions.
That figure surpasses Oregon’s previous record of approximately 1.9 million acres burned in 2024.
State officials attributed the difficult fire season to a combination of reduced snowpack during the previous winter, drought conditions, dry vegetation, lightning activity and periods of hot, windy weather.
The conditions contributed to the development of new fires and rapid growth of existing wildfires in several parts of Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reported approximately 1,023 fires on lands protected by the agency during 2026, resulting in 226,557 acres burned. Despite the challenging conditions, officials said 93% of fires on ODF-protected lands were kept to 10 acres or fewer.
The state also received substantial outside assistance. The department brought in 280 firefighting resources from 19 states, provinces and territories to help manage the wildfire response.
Governor Tina Kotek thanked firefighters, emergency personnel, landowners, local governments, Tribal Nations and other agencies that assisted throughout the season.
Although seasonal restrictions have ended on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands, residents should not assume all outdoor burning is automatically allowed.
Local fire departments may still require permits for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round. Residents should check with their local fire authority before burning.
With the fire season over, state forestry officials are shifting attention toward wildfire prevention, fuels reduction and preparation for next year.
