Wildfire Briefing Remarks
May 5, 2026
Good morning, everyone. Great to be with you all today.
If we start with a commitment to fire protection as recognized in this proclamation – we can change the course of a fire season. On average, over 70% of wildfires in Oregon are human caused – we can and must do better. Prevention starts with every Oregonian – at home, at work and out and about enjoying our great state. I encourage every Oregonian to visit Keep Oregon Green’s website and apply those prevention lessons all season long!
I’d like to thank all of the agency leadership here with us today, who briefed me earlier this morning on the fire season challenges ahead and how the state is prepared. State agencies involved in the briefing today are:
Oregon Department of Emergency Management
Oregon State Fire Marshal
Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Oregon Public Utilities Commission
Oregon Military Department
Oregon Department of Forestry
Because of the comprehensive and coordinated work of the agencies represented here today, Oregon’s 2025 fire season saw only one-fifth of the acreage that was burned in 2024, well below the 10-year average of 680,000 acres.
However, I want to be very direct: Oregon is currently facing severe drought conditions, with nine counties already under emergency declarations. Oregon’s 2025-2026 winter is tied with 1934 as the warmest on record, resulting in a dangerously low snowpack.
And, a potentially strong El Niño is in the forecast, increasing the likelihood for warmer and drier conditions, as well as thunderstorms that often bring lightning events with little rain.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting above normal temperatures and below average precipitation through October.
The current outlook for the potential for significant wildland fires shows Oregon east of the Cascades above normal starting in June, with southwestern Oregon coming online in July.
All indications suggest a more challenging fire season ahead of us.
Oregon’s wildfire protection system is robust and maintaining support for our system is vital to ensuring the safety of lives, land, and property. In this moment, we are ready, we are coordinated, and we are all-hands-on-deck as we prepare for the season.
I just toured the Oregon State Fire Marshal warehouse, and what I saw reflects the commitment our fire response agencies have made to ensure we’re prepared for what’s ahead.
Oregon State Fire Marshal has three, state-of-the-art communications vehicles assigned to support wildfires and other incidents this summer. These high-tech vehicles are used by incident management teams to monitor radio activity, prepare and distribute communications plans, and dispatch communications repeaters to optimal locations.
The Fire Marshal also has three logistics caches that carry specialized equipment to aid fire personnel in protecting lives and property.
Early detection of fires and aggressive initial attack are the cornerstones of effective response and protection of Oregonians and the natural resources we so cherish.
Oregon’s fire protection system is administered through two primary state agencies, the Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry, who coordinate closely with federal partners, sovereign Tribal nations, state and local partners, fire contractors, and landowners both large and small. These close, collaborative partnerships will continue to be the key to successful response.
The Department of Forestry protects 16 million acres across Oregon and is responsible for the state’s complete and coordinated wildland fire protection system. Early detection systems like the Multi-Mission Aircraft and Wildfire Detection Camera Program are critical to ensuring quick and efficient response to new fire starts. Using these systems in 2025 kept 94% of fires on state forest land at 10 acres or less – that is a significant statistic.
The Department of Forestry relies on more than 700 permanent and seasonal firefighters to staff over 300 engines, operate heavy equipment, and serve on fire crews. Through call-when-needed contracts, the agency provides firefighting aviation assets to wildfires. Additionally, Forestry works with the Oregon Military Department and out-of-state partners to ensure Oregon has the resources we need.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is charged with supporting statewide community and structure protection against wildfire through partnerships with over 300 local fire departments. OSFM also oversees the state’s Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System, which mobilized to 8 urban wildfire conflagrations last year.
To rise to the challenge of this moment, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is working diligently to prepare communities to be more resilient. Projects are underway across Oregon through community wildfire risk reduction grant funding, and the agency and its partners have completed more than 6300 defensible space assessments. These assessments are critical to give home and property owners the knowledge they need for added protection against wildfire.
Lastly and very importantly, we cannot forget that in the last decade, people have caused 7 out of 10 wildfires on state-protected land. In 2025, the number of human-caused fires exceeded the 10-year average.
We can and must do better to prevent wildfires. It will be up to all of us to help reduce accidental fires so we can manage the coming wildfire season.
This is my ask to all Oregonians: please be prepared:
Ensure your family has a plan in the event of wildfire. Be 2 weeks ready. Know the fire danger level where you are. Follow all local fire restrictions. And importantly, prepare your home’s defensible space.
When individuals and communities are prepared, that helps these folks do a better job keeping Oregon safe.
And for all those campers, as Smokey the Bear puts it: drown the campfire, stir the ashes, and drown it again until it’s cool to the touch.
One spark changes everything.