Wildfire Season Looms as Oregon Faces Severe Drought, Warns Gov. Kotek

Gov. Kotek warns of challenging wildfire season in Oregon

Oregon is bracing for what experts warn could be a severe 2026 wildfire season as nine counties face emergency drought declarations and the state records its lowest snowpack on record.

Wildfire season looms as Oregon faces severe drought, warns Gov. Kotek

With Oregon facing severe drought and El Niño risks, Gov. Kotek urges preparedness for a potentially devastating wildfire season.

Governor Kotek Briefed On Severe Wildfire Risk Ahead, Urges Oregonians To Prepare Now

Firefighter looks on during 2020 Beachie Creek Fire. Acquired Through MGN Online on 09/14/2020Salem, OR – Governor Tina Kotek today received a comprehensive briefing from state wildfire leaders as Oregon heads into what experts warn may be a severe 2026 wildfire season. She also signed a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month, which can be found here. “Oregon is facing severe drought conditions, with nine counties already un…

Oregon may need to brace for more severe fire season

Data show more than half the lower 48 states are currently experiencing drought, including two-thirds of the West and in Oregon, most of the state is already facing moderate to severe drought. Scientists are calling the situation historic. This winter tied 1934 as the warmest on record in Oregon, reducing the snowpack to about one third of its normal size. Peter Gleick, cofounder of the Pacific...