The 2022 Oregon wildfire season was a series of wildfires burning in the U.S. state of Oregon.
On August 28, 2022, Governor Kate Brown declared a statewide emergency because multiple wildfires, including the Rum Creek Fire. That same month, Governor Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act because of the Miller Road/Dodge Fire. On October 22nd, the Oregon Department of Forestry declared an end to fire season due in part to rainy, cooler conditions. As of the announced end of the 2022 fire season, 1,975 fires had burned 436,772 acres across the state.
Background
"Fire season" in Oregon typically begins in mid-May and ends with the first rains that normally begins in late September. Drought, snowpack levels, and local weather conditions play a role in Oregon's fire season, particularly in Eastern and Southwest Oregon. During peak fire season from July to September, most wildfires are caused by lightning, while ignitions in the early and later parts of the season are related to humans. Warm, dry conditions in summer heighten the wildfire risk. After over 100 years of fire suppression and prevention of all fires, there is now an abundance of fuel. Climate change is leading to a reduced snowpack with an earlier and reduced snowmelt, so there is a higher risk for areas that receive wildfires.
List of wildfires
The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. Name County Acres Start date Containment date Notes RefGriffinHarney1,705Unknown causeWindigoDeschutes1,007Caused by lightning strikeCedar CreekDeschutes, Lane112,287Caused by lightning strike; caused the evacuation on the city of OakridgeBig SwampDouglas111Caused by lightning strike; 1 firefighter died after being struck by a treeMiller RoadWasco10,847Unknown cause. Destroyed 1 structureRum CreekJosephine21,347Caused by lightning strike; 1 firefighter died after being struck by a treeCrockets KnobGrant4,287Caused by lightning strikeSturgillUnion, Wallowa23,507Caused by lightning strikeNeboWallowa12,609Caused by lightning strikeDouble CreekWallowa171,532Caused by lightning strikeVan MeterKlamath3,500Unknown cause, burning near MerrillAmelia RoadMalheur3,727Unknown cause
Notes
References