2015 Oregon wildfires
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| 2015 Oregon wildfires | |
|---|---|
 Air tanker dropping fire retardant on a wildfire in Central Oregon | |
| Statistics[1] | |
| Total fires | 2,588 |
| Total area | 685,809 acres (2,775.37 km2) |
The 2015 Oregon wildfires were an ongoing series of wildfires affecting parts of the U.S. state of Oregon.
"Fire season" in Oregon typically begins in mid-May and ends with the first rains that normally begins in late September. Drought, snowpack levels, and local weather conditions play a role in Oregon's fire season, particularly in Eastern and Southwest Oregon. During peak fire season from July to September, most wildfires are caused by lightning, while ignitions in the early and later parts of the season are related to humans. Warm, dry conditions in summer heighten the wildfire risk. After over 100 years of fire suppression and prevention of all fires, there is now an abundance of fuel. Climate change is leading to a reduced snowpack with an earlier and reduced snowmelt, so there is a higher risk for areas that receive wildfires.[2]
August fire
The August fire was reported on August 22, 2015, 10 miles (16 km) east of Banks. It was fully contained by August 24. It was suspected to be human-caused. One firefighter was injured. Three aircraft were used, taking water from Henry Hagg Lake, which led to its closure for recreational purposes. An estimated 26 acres (11 ha) were part of the burn, and 60 firefighters were needed. Highway 26 was closed for several days.[3][4]
Cornet-Windy Ridge fire
Eldorado fire
Stouts fire
The human-caused Stouts fire has burned 26,000 acres 16 miles (26 km) east of Canvyonville, just south of Milo. As of August 23, 2015, the wildfire was 83 percent contained.[5]
