Warm, dry weather brings return of increased fire potential to the Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 22, 2025— A weather shift bringing dry, hot temperatures and an easterly wind flow is forecast for much of Oregon and Washington over the next week. Rising temperatures and decreasing humidity create conditions for growth on existing fires as well as the fuel conditions for new fire to become established. While the alternating winds may increase fire movement, this is not considered an extreme wind event. 

With the change in weather, new wildfires may be challenging to contain until conditions moderate again. Existing fires that have shown little growth or smoke impacts over the last week may become more active. This weather pattern is common in the Pacific Northwest this time of year, as winds flow eastward across the Cascade Mountains, bringing arid air and accelerating fire danger. It often begins in late August, continuing into September and even into October. 

Fire activity has remained moderate in much of the region this season, mostly due to decreased lightning events. The largest wildfire Bear Gulch, currently burning in western Washington, was human-caused. Overall, the geographic area remains in a precipitation deficit and isolated thunderstorms are forecast for both Oregon and Washington over the next week. 

Many national forests are at high or extreme fire danger with campfire bans in place. Please check fire restrictions at your local ranger district before heading out. Even if campfires are allowed, please consider if having a fire is necessary. 

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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