With the arrival of seasonal rains and cooler weather, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts terminated fire restrictions as of Oct. 28, bringing an end to the state’s historic fire season.

Dry weather combined with lightning-sparked blazes and human-caused fires to put immense strain on firefighters and resources in 2024.

“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but affects all Oregonians from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents,” said Kyle Williams, ODF deputy director of fire protection.

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“This is our reality and we need to adjust in response to it,” Williams added in a news release.

Aggressive attack

Oregon had 1,956 fires that burned 1.94 million acres this year.

Gross fire suppression costs exceeded $300 million, according to a state Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman.

On ODF-protected lands — more than 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal forest and grazing lands — there were about 1,000 fires.

And those fires scorched 314,000 acres. The agency put out 93% of those fires at 10 acres or fewer.

According to the news release, the department had an aggressive approach to its initial attack with wildfires to preserve natural resources, protect communities and increase firefighter safety.

ODF also leaned heavily into its interstate relationships.

Firefighters and resources from about 20 states and Canada were brought to Oregon.

“The outpouring of support from out of state has been amazing to say the least,” said Chris Cline, ODF Protection Division chief.

Slow start

Through May and June, the state experienced an average or even below average fire season.

However, early July brought the beginning of peak season with a heat wave followed by several lightning and wind storms that primarily impacted Central and Eastern Oregon.

Though fire restrictions have ended on ODF land, many fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning and slash burning requires a permit year-round.

As Oregon transitions from fire season, ODF districts are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuel reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.