After a record-breaking start to the wildfire season in Oregon, the state has seen a dramatic turnaround in recent weeks due to cool and wet weather. The number of large active wildfires has dropped from over 30 to 12, with many nearing containment. While fire danger is historically low for this time of year, fire restrictions remain in place heading into Labor Day Weekend.
Despite the current lull in fire activity, fire officials are cautious as the most dangerous part of fire season, early September, is still ahead. The state is set to experience a heatwave, with temperatures rising into the 90s and warm east winds arriving, which could reignite fires. However, the forecast does not predict the strong east winds that have caused significant fire blowups in recent years.
Oregon has already set a modern record for acres burned this year at 1.5 million, with the majority of fires burning in eastern rangeland. This has impacted ranchers and air quality in those areas, but these fires typically come under control faster than forest fires in the Cascades or western Oregon.
Fire weather meteorologist John Saltenberger emphasized that although fire danger may increase in the coming weeks, it is not as severe as initially expected. The recent cool and wet weather has given firefighters a chance to gain control over many fires, but the season is not over yet. It remains to be seen whether Oregon’s wildfire season will end with a whimper or with more intense fire activity.
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