The state’s peak wildfire season typically runs from May through October, but wildfires can occur at any time. Fires are particularly prevalent in the summer and fall, and during droughts when fallen branches, leaves, and other material can dry out and become highly flammable. Wildfires are also common in grasslands and scrub lands.
In the early 1950s, wildfire season was typically five months long. As time has gone on and climate change has intensified, our current wildfire season has grown to seven months.
Tips from a Firefighter
From an Oregon firefighter: ” I’d like to offer some advice to those worried about the fires. First off, stay as calm as possible. Remember even if you’ve lost your house, property, or even town, they’re only things. Things can be rebuilt or replaced. Secondly, please do everything you can to rep your house to be defended. That means clearing debris off your roof, turning any sprinklers on, removing bushes and any other flammable things from around your home (I know it’s no fun to remove your favorite rose bush from your flowerbed but it will make a difference), take any curtains down from windows (when they get too hot they’ll catch on fire inside the house), I’m sure there’s more things that I’m missing. Please be safe and courteous. Be nice to your neighbors and anyone else you might cross paths with. Our resources are stretched pretty thin right now but eventually we’ll have these things whipped.”