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Oregon nears all-time wildfire acreage record as 2026 fires top 2 million acres
KATU • • nation
Key Points:
- Oregon has burned over 2 million acres in wildfires so far in 2026, nearing the state's all-time record for acres burned in a single wildfire season.
- There have been 60 large fires this year, primarily in Eastern, Central, and Southern Oregon, with a Red Flag Warning in the southern Willamette Valley indicating extreme fire danger remains.
- Human-caused fires have increased, now accounting for 56% of wildfires in Oregon compared to 52% last year, raising concerns about public vigilance.
- Officials urge residents to follow fire restrictions, maintain vehicles to prevent sparks, and prepare emergency plans, emphasizing that even western Oregon forests are vulnerable to fire.
- The five largest active fires include Big Grass (336,779 acres) and Rowe Creek Complex (320,834 acres), with containment levels varying, and the total acreage for 2026 will be finalized after the season ends.
