Though fall is here, fire season is not over
Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) wants to remind Oregonians that even with the weather starting to transition to fall, fire is still on the landscape and fire regulations are still in effect. The department wants to warn the public against complacency since a season ending rain event has not happened yet and east winds, known to elevate fire risk, are a common occurrence this time of year.
“With the temperature changes, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening or that fire season is over. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state and fire regulations remain in place,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief.
Even with lower temperatures and intermittent rain, fuels remain very dry with the potential for a fire to start and grow. Thus far in the season, there have been 1,091 fires on ODF-protected lands – 671 of which have been human-caused. By taking a few extra steps, you can help prevent the next wildfire in Oregon.
Wildfire prevention means:
- Debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter.
- Check local restrictions before lighting a camp or warming fire to see if it is allowed.
- Never leave your campfire or warming fire unattended.
- Make sure your campfire or warming fire is OUT COLD. That means drowning it with water, stirring the ashes, and repeating that process until it is cold to touch. If there is any heat coming off the embers, then it can reignite later.
- Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced. More than 100 fires have resulted from vehicle use in 2025.
- Make sure your tow chains are not dragging. The metal hitting asphalt while driving can throw sparks into dry grass on the side of the road.
Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently; however most of the state remains between moderate and high fire danger. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.
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