Oregon Wildfires Prompt Highway Closures as More Than 1.1 Million Acres Burn

The state of Oregon is currently experiencing a severe wildfire season. With more than 1.1 million acres burned and dozens of active fires, traffic detours have been implemented on several highways, primarily along US 20 and US 26 between central and eastern Oregon.

In a press release issued over the weekend, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) stated that wildfires can change direction or spread rapidly, causing roads to open or close without prior notice. ODOT advised travelers, including commercial truck drivers, to carefully plan their routes and remain alert to changing conditions.

The department clarified that road closures are only implemented when absolutely necessary to protect public safety or to allow firefighters and emergency personnel to work safely without interference from the public. “Travelers should expect missing road signs, damaged guardrails, and other roadway infrastructure in burned areas until crews can safely return to make repairs,” ODOT said in its statement.

ODOT safety recommendations include:

• Reduce speed when driving through affected areas.
• Increase following distance.
• Use extra caution when driving through smoky areas, as visibility may be significantly reduced.
• If traffic signals are affected by power outages, treat intersections as four-way stops.
• Stay alert for changing traffic patterns.

ODOT added that this wildfire season has been incredibly challenging for many Oregon communities. Families continue to face evacuation orders, power outages have left many residents without electricity, and road closures have disrupted daily life. The department thanked Oregonians for their patience and understanding as firefighters, emergency responders, and highway maintenance crews across the state continue their work.

Wildfire season in the United States

Wildfire season in the United States typically runs from late spring through the fall, although the exact timing varies significantly by region. In the West—including California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rocky Mountains—wildfire activity generally peaks between June and October.

In recent years, however, the wildfire season has expanded at both ends of the calendar, with major fires now occurring during nearly every month somewhere in the country. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which publishes seasonal outlooks identifying when and where wildfire risk is expected to be above normal, fire activity has become increasingly prolonged.

As of July 28, 2026, there are 77 named active wildfires across the United States. These fires are monitored using satellite imagery and data provided by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

The impact of wildfires extends far beyond the flames themselves, affecting air quality and the wildland-urban interface, which has become one of the country’s most significant at-risk areas. Understanding which regions are most vulnerable is an important step in preparing for and reducing wildfire risk.

For the latest wildfire updates, visit the Northwest Coordination Center or OSFMInfo.org.

Visit Wildfire.Oregon.gov for information and resources on how to prepare for a wildfire before, during, and after it occurs.

To view a live, up-to-date map of active wildfires across the United States, visit LiveWildfireMap.com.