The Oregon Department of Forestry has lifted fire restrictions across all districts, officially closing out the 2026 wildfire season.

More than 2.5 million acres burned statewide across all jurisdictions, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center — a figure that surpasses the previous record of 1.9 million acres set in 2024. Gov.

Tina Kotek thanked first responders, landowners, contractors, local governments, Tribal Nations, the Oregon National Guard, and state and international responders, saying 'Oregon's resilience shines brightest in moments like these.'

Reduced snowpack last winter left the state in drought with unusually dry fuels, and several lightning events followed by hot, windy conditions sparked multiple new fires and drove rapid growth on existing ones, according to KDRV. On ODF-protected lands alone, about 1,023 fires burned 226,557 acres.

Despite the record scale, ODF's aggressive initial-attack doctrine kept 93% of fires on protected land at 10 acres or less — State Forester Kacey KC noted the fire environment has 'dramatically increased in complexity' over the department's 115-year history.

The season stretched the system hard.

ODF Complex Incident Management Teams deployed seven times, and the department brought in 280 resources from 19 states, provinces and territories — including a Florida team that took command of the East Evans Creek Fire under a state-to-state agreement after ODF CIMT 1's assignment ended.

Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams called it 'one of the most demanding fire seasons we've ever experienced,' saying the rapidly changing and extreme conditions tested the entire system nationwide.

With restrictions lifted, ODF districts are shifting to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning. Many structural fire departments may still require debris-burning permits, and slash burning requires a permit year-round.

The stakes extend well beyond Oregon: Insurance Business reports New Zealand is heading into what forecasters say could be one of its highest-risk wildfire seasons on record, with a very strong El Niño expected to peak in November or December just as career firefighters prepare 10-hour strikes.

Fire seasons ending later and starting hotter is becoming the defining pattern for climate watchers.