Oregon Wildfires Burn 1.3M Acres, Prompt Evacuations and Highway Closures
• Oregon is grappling with 34 major wildfires that have burned over 1.3 million acres statewide. The Bench and Beachcomb fires near Warm Springs and Madras have merged into a 40,000-acre blaze, destroying six homes and prompting Level 3 evacuation orders. Other significant fires include the Big Grass Fire at nearly 200,000 acres and the Coleman Creek Fire at 131,000 acres. Highway closures span central and eastern Oregon, including portions of Interstate 84 and U.S. Highways 20 and
• An air quality advisory has been issued for multiple counties due to heavy smoke.
Impact & Risks
The wildfires have destroyed 20 homes this year, with more at risk as fires continue to grow. Evacuation orders are in place across affected areas, including Warm Springs, Madras, and Harney County. Highway closures disrupt travel, and air quality advisories warn of health risks from smoke exposure. Communities near major fires face significant threats to property and infrastructure.
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