Firefighters ready to respond as fire potential increases in the Pacific Northwest
Contact Information: Pacific Northwest Region Press Desk SM.FS.R6pressoffice@usda.gov
(Portland, OR, July 14, 2026) — With the Northwest Geographic Area now at Preparedness Level (PL) 3, Forest Service firefighters remain ready to respond to help keep people and communities safe from wildfires. Continuing warm weather and ongoing dry conditions are significantly increasing fire potential across the region.
On July 14, 2026, Northwest Coordination Center Predictive Services, in conjunction with state and federal partners, issued a Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory for the Pacific Northwest.
Currently, several large wildfires are active on national forest lands in Oregon and Washington. A complement of firefighting personnel, aviation resources, and incident management teams are strategically positioned across the region to ensure a rapid, risk-informed suppression response.
Fire danger levels remain high to very high, driven by dried vegetation that may ignite quickly with any ignitions. Southern, south-central, and eastern Oregon are also forecast to experience thunderstorms early this week, as shown in geographical forecasts. While these storms may bring some rainfall, they also bring the risk of dry lightning, which could spark new wildfires in already drought-impacted landscapes.
To reduce the chances of human-caused wildfire starts, please follow all fire restrictions, which may include bans on open fires, smoking, or equipment use in specific forests or districts. Even when campfires are permitted, evaluate whether you truly need one before lighting. For current fire restriction information, please check the website of the forest you plan to visit
Here are a few tips to keep yourself, your family, and communities safe as fire season ramps up in the Pacific Northwest:
- Stay vigilant if wildfires are burning in your area or near your community.
- Know that conditions may change quickly.
- Adhere to local fire restrictions.
- Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county.
- Become familiar with the three evacuation levels (Be Ready, Be Set, Go Now).
- Know where to find up-to-date evacuation information for your area.
- Make an evacuation plan to keep your family safe.
To prepare for smoke from wildfires, here are some helpful links:
At Preparedness Level 3, your actions matter. Stay informed, follow restrictions, and help prevent wildfires, especially with thunderstorms on the horizon.
To learn more about Forest Service fire in the Pacific Northwest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/fire.
About the Forest Service: The U.S. Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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