Overview
- Dry thunderstorms in mid-July produced thousands of lightning strikes that ignited dozens of fires that have merged into multiple megafire complexes across eastern and central Oregon.
- State tallies place Oregon’s total this year at roughly 1.6–1.7 million acres burned with four Oregon fires now listed among the nation’s largest active blazes.
- The Big Grass Fire has grown past 300,000 acres and crossed into Idaho, prompting Governor Brad Little to declare a state disaster and authorize National Guard support to protect communities.
- The National Interagency Fire Center holds Preparedness Level 5 and thousands of firefighters, out-of-state crews, international teams and MAFFS air tankers are deployed to fill critical gaps.
- Widespread hazardous smoke is degrading air quality across the Northwest and beyond, mandatory evacuations are affecting thousands, and officials warn fire weather may remain dangerous through the peak season into August.