VIDEO: Wildfire season has cost the state of Oregon $97 million in 2025, according to the Department of Forestry.
State data shows that Oregon has already seen more fires than average, but less destruction. ODF says that is largely due to the fast action from ground crews as well as rainier storms that help extinguish flames caused by lightning.
But local firefighters say we are just halfway through this wildfire season. “Fire season, much like the Christmas season in our stores, is extending out,” Rick Graves with Portland Fire and Rescue said.
Currently, the Emigrant Fire burning in Lane County exploded to more than 23,000 acres. The region and the Cascades are still under red flag warnings.
Near Sisters, evacuees are returning home over the weekend as the Flat Fire reached more than 65% containment.
And while most wildfires have sparked in eastern and southern Oregon, local crews say they are monitoring higher and drier than normal conditions — ready to respond if needed.
