May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Oregon

(MAY 15, 2025) Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek and other leaders recently gave an update about Oregon’s 2025 wildfire season. They explained how people in Oregon can get ready. The Governor also signed a paper that says May is Wildfire Awareness Month. This means people should learn how to prevent and prepare for wildfires.

Governor Kotek said that wildfires are getting worse and lasting longer. Last summer’s fires were very serious. She asked everyone to help by doing simple things to protect their homes and follow local fire rules. She said, "Help firefighters by doing your part. Make your home safer, check the fire danger level, and follow fire safety rules. Let’s protect people, homes, and nature this summer.”

The wildfire update took place at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), where tools and supplies for firefighting are kept. Other important people also joined, like the State Fire Marshal and the head of Emergency Management. Experts said that the first part of this summer will probably be hotter and drier than normal.

In 2024, Oregon had almost 2,000 wildfires. More than 1.9 million acres of land burned. 

The ODF and the State Fire Marshal's Office work together with other partners to fight fires. ODF protects 16 million acres of land and uses special planes and cameras to find fires early. In 2024, they stopped most fires before they grew large.

ODF has over 700 firefighters and uses engines, planes, and help from the military and other states when needed.

The State Fire Marshal helps protect homes and buildings. They work with over 300 local fire departments. In 2024, they helped in 17 big fires in cities. They also gave more fire trucks and money to help hire 1,000 more firefighters.

They are also helping communities make their homes safer. They have checked nearly 4,500 homes to help people make changes that protect against fire.

Easy ways to prepare for wildfire season

• Trim trees so fire doesn’t reach the tops or your home.

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and bark mulch near buildings.

• Clean your roof and gutters.

• Move firewood and mulch away from your home.

• Cut dead plants, especially near the house.

• Don’t plant bushes or trees under the edges of the roof. Leave a 5-foot space.

• Learn your evacuation route and be ready to leave with supplies for two weeks.

• Sign up for emergency alerts.

• Check the air quality in your area with the DEQ’s Air Now program.