Story perspectives

Oregon wildfire season tops 2.5 million acres, records broken

8/23/2026

Summary

Oregon Battles Wildfires

Officials say Oregon’s wildfire season burned nearly 2.5 million acres, beating the 2024 record.
NWCC expects three to five large fires this weekend from lightning and dry fuels.
Oregon Department of Forestry reports 13 large fires, each exceeding 100 acres.
Grasshopper Fire burned 90,000 acres, is 66% contained, Level 3 evacuations remain in Wasco and Hood River.
Nearly 13,000 firefighters are deployed in Oregon and Washington, the nation’s top firefighting priority.

Summary

FBI Detects Drones

FBI Counter-UAS Task Force detected 26 unauthorized drones over Spokane, violating a flight restriction on August 2.
The next day the task force identified 13 additional drones, prompting temporary grounding of firefighting aircraft.
Violators face fines up to $75,000, up to 12 months prison, equipment seizure, and pilot certificate revocation.
Kenji Sugahara warned drones endanger crews and urged operators to check TFRs before flying.
Andrew Jahier said drones halt aerial suppression, risking lives.

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Oregon Battles Wildfires

Officials say Oregon’s wildfire season burned nearly 2.5 million acres, beating the 2024 record.
NWCC expects three to five large fires this weekend from lightning and dry fuels.
Oregon Department of Forestry reports 13 large fires, each exceeding 100 acres.
Grasshopper Fire burned 90,000 acres, is 66% contained, Level 3 evacuations remain in Wasco and Hood River.
Nearly 13,000 firefighters are deployed in Oregon and Washington, the nation’s top firefighting priority.

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