Drought Deepens in Northwest Oregon, Elevating Wildfire Risks

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 13, 2025 - Severe drought intensified across northwest Oregon today, prompting state officials to warn of elevated wildfire danger as the region approaches the end of its traditional fire season.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported a jump from 51 percent to 64 percent of the western U.S. in drought since June, with northern Oregon now under “high fire danger” conditions due to prolonged below-normal rainfall and record-low reservoir levels.

Why It Matters Persistent dry weather has strained water resources and dried out fuels, increasing the likelihood of new wildfires even as fire activity typically declines with autumn rains. State foresters emphasize that early action and public vigilance remain critical to prevent human-caused ignitions.

Drought Intensification

• Northern Oregon counties, including Clackamas and Multnomah, saw soil moisture plunge to multi-decade lows as August rainfall deficits exceeded 3 inches.
• Reservoir storage in the Yakima River Basin reached its lowest levels since 1971, heightening concerns for water supply and firefighting resources.

Fire Danger Forecast

• A dry weather pattern returning mid-September is expected to maintain above-normal fire risk through October.
• Fire managers urge residents to heed burn bans, avoid outdoor burning, and report any smoke immediately.

State Response

• Governor Tina Kotek issued a public advisory urging caution and reminding communities to sign up for emergency alerts via ORAlert.gov.
• The Oregon Department of Forestry has pre-positioned additional engines and crews in high-risk areas ahead of anticipated Santa Ana-style offshore winds later this fall.

Looking Ahead Meteorologists warn that without significant precipitation by late September, the threat of large-scale wildfires could extend into early autumn, potentially straining local firefighting resources already committed to existing incidents in eastern and southern Oregon.