Oregon Fires To Burn Half-Million Acres, 5 Months

Oregon lightning-sparked fires are likely to burn half-million acres and could last until the end of the year, according to Gov. John Kitzhaber, who said Saturday that the infernos are worse that those in 2002 and that he is calling on help from other states and Canada.

This year’s hot, dry conditions are setting the stage for a long busy fire season that Kitzhaber says at the rate the infernos are progressing, this fire season is on track to be Oregon’s worst in over 10 years, reported Associated Press reports.


The closest match to the 2013 fire season might be the 2002 Biscuit Fire, that scorched a half-million acres and burned until the end of the year, according to Kitzhaber.

Over one hundred lightning-sparked fires began a week ago, quickly spread to over 40,000 acres, and have been uncontained since then.

The out-of-control Douglas Complex wildfires is the “No. 1 (wildfire) concern for the federal government,” he said, presently the nation’s worst.



“This is one of the worst fire seasons we’ve had in years, probably worse than 2002,” Kitzhaber said in a phone interview from Glendale, outside Oregon’s largest wildfire.

That fire has resulted in mandatory evacuations. Two counties are under a declared state of emergency: Josephine and Douglas. Residents in nearby communities have been advised to be prepared to leave.

“They’re making progress, but think about the magnitude of this risk, and remember that it’s only (Aug. 3.)”



Smoke throughout the region and as far south as San Francisco is posing health problems. Outdoor activities have been cancelled throughout the area, including Ashland’s famous Shakespeare Theatre performances.

Oregon is seeking assistance from other states and Canada. Soldiers arrived this week to help approximately 1500 firefighters already battling in the region.

[See: Soldiers Battle S. Oregon 40,000-Acre Inferno]

Kitzhaber said he will brief the leadership of the Legislature this weekend on the conditions of two wildfires, including one burning over 30,000 acres in southwest Oregon.