Nearly one million acres in Oregon have burned as 38 large wildfires remain uncontrolled across the state, including the Durkee Fire which has burned 270,000 acres and is 0% contained. The majority of the blazes have been massive grass fires on the east side of the state. The state’s wildfire forecast is expected to moderate somewhat over the coming week, especially in western Oregon, following extreme fire growth and new ignitions. Cooler weather, higher humidity, and the possibility of light rain next week should help retard the growth of existing fires.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 84 from Pendleton to Ontario due to unpredictable fire activity in the area. The smoke from the wildfires has been pushed mostly into central and eastern Oregon due to westerly winds, with air quality remaining good in western Oregon and moderate in most places east of the Cascades.
Despite some relief in temperature and humidity, fire crews are still facing challenges in containing the blazes on the east side of the state. There is a risk of growth of existing fires, but the risk of new fires has decreased. The Durkee Fire remains a significant concern, and with the fire season still ongoing for two more months, the situation in Oregon remains critical.
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