Oregon Marks End of Record-Breaking 2024 Wildfire Year

Salem, Oregon- The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has officially ended fire restrictions across all districts, signaling the close of the 2024 wildfire season after a challenging year. With over 1.9 million acres burned statewide, Oregon’s firefighters and resources were tested under significant strain.

“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but affects all Oregonians—from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents,” said Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Protection. “This is our reality, and we need to adjust in response to it.”

The season started relatively calmly, with average or below-average activity through May and June. However, early July saw a shift as a heatwave, combined with several lightning and wind events, drove the season into peak activity. These conditions primarily affected Central and Eastern Oregon, leading to extensive fire activity and stretching local resources.

The surge in wildfire incidents, fueled by both natural and human causes, brought immense pressure on Oregon’s in-state firefighting resources. ODF responded by leveraging interstate support, drawing personnel and equipment from approximately 20 states and Canada through state-to-state agreements and the Northwest Compact.

“The outpouring of support from out of state has been amazing,” stated Chris Cline, ODF Protection Division Chief. “It truly shows that fire is a family, no matter where you are.”

By the end of the season, ODF reported 1,003 fires on lands under its protection, burning a total of 314,181 acres. ODF’s Type 1 Incident Management Teams (IMT) were mobilized 11 times to address major wildfires, including the Salt Creek, Larch Creek, Dixon, Boneyard, Court Rock, Battle Mountain Complex, and other fires. Statewide, there were 1,956 fires across various jurisdictions, burning over 1.9 million acres in total.

To mitigate wildfire spread, ODF adopted an aggressive initial attack strategy focused on natural resource preservation, community protection, and firefighter safety. As a result, 93 percent of fires on ODF-protected lands were contained to 10 acres or less.

Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs), independent volunteer organizations providing fire protection in rural areas outside local districts, played an essential role in wildfire response. With 28 RFPAs operating statewide, these organizations were often the first to respond to fire incidents, providing critical situational awareness for incident management teams. ODF supports RFPAs by offering guidance, training, and access to federal grants and surplus equipment.

The decision to initiate or close fire season restrictions is made by each forest protection district, based on local conditions such as drought and weather patterns. Typically, fire restrictions are removed after steady rainfall and cooling temperatures, as has occurred recently across Oregon. Although ODF has lifted fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands, debris and slash burning permits remain mandatory through many structural fire departments.

With the 2024 fire season officially concluded, ODF districts are redirecting their focus toward wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, and planning initiatives in preparation for future seasons.