And So It Begins... Oregon Wildfire Update
Oregon’s Largest Active Wildfire List...
Updated: July 18, 2026, at 4:15 p.m.
The state is facing its most active fire period yet of the 2026 wildfire season, with multiple large fires burning across central, north-central, and eastern parts of the state. So far, the Willamette Valley has been largely spared.
(Photo via Oregon State Fire Marshall)
Hot temperatures, dry vegetation, gusty winds, and recent lightning have fueled rapid fire growth, stretching firefighting resources across several counties.
The largest wildfire currently burning is the Porcupine Ridge Fire in Gilliam County, which has grown to approximately 15,621 acres. It is closely followed by the Coyote Fire near Prineville at roughly 15,000 acres, while several other fires have expanded beyond the 10,000-acre mark.
As conditions worsened Saturday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal issued an Emergency Conflagration Act, allowing additional structural firefighting resources from around the state to be mobilized to protect homes and communities threatened by the fast-moving fires. The declaration comes as multiple fires continue to grow simultaneously.
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple urged Oregonians to stay informed as conditions continue to change.
“The conditions we’re seeing across Oregon have challenged firefighters for the past week and the current forecast isn’t providing much relief,” Ruiz-Temple said. “I’m urging every Oregonian to be wildfire aware and to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts. Know the evacuation levels and follow them if they are issued.”
Oregon’s Largest Active Wildfires
(Approximate acreage as of July 18, 2026, 4:15 p.m.)
Porcupine Ridge Fire (Gilliam County) — 15,621 acres
Coyote Fire (Crook County) — 15,000 acres
Cove Creek Fire (Wheeler County) — 12,000 acres
Crosswhite Fire (Wheeler County) — 11,247 acres
Hopkins Fire (Gilliam County) — 10,469 acres
Hoag Fire (Gilliam County) — 10,000 acres
Brewer Fire (Crook/Jefferson counties) — 10,000 acres
Lower Dry Creek Fire (Umatilla County) — 8,096 acres
Akawa Butte Fire (Deschutes/Jefferson counties) — 6,208 acres
Deadman Canyon Fire (Wasco County) — 5,171 acres
Mandatory and voluntary evacuation notices remain in effect across numerous communities. Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations have been issued around several of the state’s largest fires, including the Porcupine Ridge, Coyote, Cove Creek, Crosswhite, Deadman Canyon, and Hoag fires. Residents are encouraged to monitor local emergency alerts, have evacuation plans, and leave immediately if directed by emergency officials.
Fire officials are now warning that continued hot weather, low humidity, and wind could lead to additional fire growth over the coming days. More than 15,000 lightning strikes across Oregon and Washington this week have sparked dozens of new fires, with firefighters continuing to respond to new starts while battling the state’s largest fires currently burning.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has said today that “The Oregon fire service is working around the clock to protect communities against numerous wildfires. We’ve mobilized all three of our incident management teams, 30 task forces and strike teams, and have brought in help from California and Washington.”
This article was written by K. Hewlitt at The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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