Oregon is on track for its worst wildfire season yet
Oregon is experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season, with over a million acres burned and significant threats to rural livelihoods and cattle ranching. Experts warn that low snowpack and dry conditions are exacerbating the fire risk as the season continues.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires pose severe economic threats to rural communities and highlight the ongoing impacts of climate change.
ONTARIO, Ore. - More than a million acres of land have now burned across central and eastern Oregon, putting the state on track for another record wildfire season.
Thirty four major fires are burning largely on public range lands from near Bend, east of the Cascade Mountains to the Idaho state line. Dense smoke is blanketing the region and air quality advisories are in effect in the Boise, Idaho-metropolitan area, which is home to more than 700,000 people.
In Oregon, officials are cautioning the public to stay vigilant as it's still early in the fire season. Most of these fires are burning at lower altitudes. They say the higher altitude forests are also vulnerable going into August and September as much of the state recorded its lowest snowpack on record last winter.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in