The Oregon Department of Forestry counted 1,813 fires between May and October. The average over the previous four seasons was about 2,100. Firefighting costs topped $235 million by mid-August, surpassing the final net cost of the 2024 season by roughly $35 million. State officials projected in August that total costs could reach $350 million; the final estimate is expected in a report to the Legislature in December.

A record-low statewide snowpack last winter—nearly 30% below the previous record set in 2015—left dry conditions that persisted into summer. Two lightning storms sparked fires that spread across the landscape and forced crews to divide resources among numerous blazes.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management reported that evacuation orders peaked July 27. At that point, 18,193 people were under Level 1 “Be Ready” notices, 8,077 under Level 2 “Be Set” orders and 6,344 under Level 3 “Go Now” orders. Large fires destroyed 56 homes statewide, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

The damage was especially severe on the Warm Springs Reservation, where the Bench Fire in late July destroyed at least six homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate. Residents also faced extended power outages, water shortages, road closures and heavy smoke. Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs leaders said the fire damaged timber, ancestral foods and wildlife, with consequences for the community’s economy, land and culture that could take years to address.

The Grasshopper Fire in Wasco County, sparked by lightning near Mount Hood in July, burned for months and destroyed at least six homes and other structures. Firefighter Jon Wallace said crews were stretched thin as fires threatened homes, power lines and roads across the state.

Two men died while fighting separate fires. Jason Ensign of Klamath Falls was found dead inside a badly damaged bulldozer after being surrounded by flames while operating the machine at the Wrights Spring Fire in Southern Oregon. Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral, 25, was injured while removing hazardous trees at the Austin Fire near Mount Hood and later died at a hospital. Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions lowered in their honor.

Smoke affected communities across the state. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reported increases in unhealthy-air days in nearly every region. Smoke blanketed much of Oregon in early August, prompting closures of some camps and outdoor activities and contributing to more smoke-related hospital visits.

The state’s wildfire response also brought substantial costs for local governments. Some fires burned in remote areas that did not qualify for certain federal reimbursements, while other reimbursement payments can take years to arrive. In September, the Legislature’s Joint Emergency Board approved $123 million in additional wildfire funding, including $108 million for the forestry department and $15 million for the state fire marshal. The forestry department also planned to borrow $150 million from the Oregon State Treasury to cover expenses through year’s end.

Farmers in 18 Oregon counties became eligible for federal emergency loans for recovery needs such as replacing equipment and livestock lost to fires. Homeowners with damaged property are working with insurers and government agencies; the state Division of Financial Regulation has been holding discussions about insurance non-renewals in high-risk areas.

Looking ahead, a projected strong El Niño could bring a warmer, wetter winter to the Pacific Northwest, with more precipitation falling as rain than snow. State climatologist Larry O’Neill said another low-snowpack year could increase drought risk in 2027 and leave conditions favorable for more fires, though the effects remain uncertain as climate change alters regional weather patterns.

The Oregon Department of Forestry plans to spend millions of dollars in grants on hazardous-fuel reduction across thousands of acres before the 2027 season. Officials and residents continue to debate how best to reduce wildfire risk, including the role of forest thinning and logging. The department also advises residents to check local fire restrictions before burning yard debris, since rules vary by area.