Oregon Prepares for Intense Wildfire Season Ahead of Summer
SALEM, Ore. – In anticipation of another challenging wildfire season, Governor Tina Kotek and state fire officials convened at Oregon’s largest wildfire supply depot to outline the state’s preparedness efforts. Declaring May as "Wildfire Awareness Month," Kotek emphasized the need for Oregonians to act swiftly—clearing brush, inspecting firefighting equipment, and signing up for emergency alerts.
Oregon’s wildfire response relies on the Fire Mutual Aid System, which comprises approximately 11,000 firefighters from over 300 local agencies. Starting in June, state funding will add 1,500 seasonal firefighters, with the Oregon Department of Forestry hiring more than 400 additional wildland firefighters.
To address the shifting fire risks, the state will strategically pre-position essential resources, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in high-risk areas, particularly in Eastern Oregon, where the Durkee Fire scorched nearly 300,000 acres last summer.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) reported conducting nearly 4,500 defensible space assessments to help property owners mitigate risks. State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple highlighted the importance of defensible space around homes, encouraging property owners to prepare their surroundings and comply with burning regulations to reduce human-caused fires, which account for 75% to 80% of wildfire incidents.
Ruiz-Temple also expressed concern over an earlier-than-expected fire season, advising residents to stay informed on evacuation plans and sign up for wildfire alerts. The Salem Fire Cache, pivotal in supporting more than 10,000 firefighters during last year’s fires, will continue to operate around the clock throughout the season.
Oregon’s coordinated efforts demand public involvement to enhance community resilience against wildfires this summer.
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