Burn bans begin as Oregon forecast turns warmer and drier
Many Central Oregon cities started fire restrictions this week as the forecast for much of the state predicts dry, warm weather and little precipitation ahead.
Wildfires and air quality information hub
Comprehensive news coverage and essential resources to help you stay informed and safe during wildfire events in the Pacific Northwest. Have questions or tips? Contact us at opbnews@opb.org.
Latest stories
Northwest wildfire outlook is grim, even as hiring has ramped up
But there was a glimmer of hope: Federal firefighting managers said their workforce is about where it needs to be for the fire season ahead, despite the Trump administration’s efforts.
Billowing smoke from Canadian wildfires wafts into the U.S.
The Manitoba wildfires have forced 17,000 people to flee the province. Plumes of heavy smoke are expected to drift into the United States over Friday and Saturday, affecting millions of Americans.
Fire and smoke map
This interactive map allows you to see where fires are burning and the latest smoke outlooks. Click on a marker on the map to see more information.
Resources
Fire season glossary: Important wildfire terms and their definitions
Firefighting speak and jargon are hard to sift through when trying to stay informed on wildfires and their characteristics. This glossary provides a list of official fire-related terms and their definitions.
How to prepare for wildfire smoke
Oregonians should be prepared for poor air quality and possibly evacuations as wildfire season ramps up. Here's what to know.
Here’s who is most at risk from wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself
As hazy air from fires out West wafts across the country, some people are at higher risk of health problems, including children, older people and those with lung conditions. Here's how to stay safe.
Critical wildfire reporting and all of OPB's journalism is made possible by members.
More stories
Oregon Republicans say Dems delaying vote on wildfire map repeal to get votes for wildfire funding
The decision to delay a vote on Senate Bill 83 came as a surprise to Republicans on the Committee, who later accused Democrats, House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, and Gov. Tina Kotek of using it as a bargaining chip in negotiations over a wildfire funding proposal that would redirect $1 billion from the state’s “kicker” tax return.
Butte Creek Fire burns nearly 1,800 acres in Wheeler County
The Butte Creek Fire was first reported just before 3 p.m. on Sunday on the east side of the John Day River, just north of Clarno, Oregon.
Fire restrictions in effect in Oregon and Washington
The Bureau of Land Management has announced new fire restrictions on its public lands across Oregon and Washington.
Gov. Tina Kotek now supports withholding $1B of Oregon’s ‘kicker’ for wildfire costs
Even if Democrats agree on such a move, a vote to suspend the kicker would require two Republican votes in the 30-member Senate and four in the 60-member House.
An architect of Oregon’s wildfire map on why he now supports repealing it
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After Oregon’s devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, the Legislature passed a bill that was supposed to lead to more wildfire awareness and resilience. But the resulting map led to a huge backlash from property owners – a backlash so strong that a few weeks ago, the state Senate voted unanimously to eliminate it.
Oregon Legislature on track to repeal controversial wildfire risk map
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After the devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill that was supposed to lead to more wildfire awareness and resilience. It created a map of areas at high risk of fire. But that map led to a huge backlash from property owners. Now one of the democratic state senators who helped create the map is sponsoring a bill that would repeal it. We’ll talk to Jeff Golden, who represents the Ashland area, about why — and what should happen instead.
