Wildfires remain a top concern for officials as dry and hot weather conditions are expected to roll through much of western Oregon and Washington this weekend and early next week.

The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts Friday, including an extreme heat warning from 11 a.m. Sunday to 11 p.m. Tuesday for the greater Portland metro area, western Columbia River Gorge and parts of Clark County.

“Based on feedback from area partners, fuels are not quite cured enough to consider any Red Flag Warnings at this point, but there is uncertainty on how the fuels will be impacted by the continuous days of dry and hot conditions,” according to NWS area forecast discussion.

Still, drier fuels and hot conditions have officials on alert, with multiple agencies including the Oregon Department of Forestry issuing burn bans and warnings. On Friday, ODF announced this year’s fire season will officially begin June 15.

Officials urge precaution as extreme heat warning for Portland-Vancouver metro area remains in effect

ODF Deputy Director of Fire Operations Kyle Williams says a combination of factors including a historically low snowpack, a relatively dry spring and this weekend’s extreme heat have all contributed to the fire season’s early launch. He says the declaration will help the agency enact fire prevention measures such as burn restrictions.

Beyond people being aware of the upcoming restrictions, Williams also urges people to be mindful of their day-to-day actions especially during dangerously hot and dry conditions.

“Mowing tall dry grass late in the afternoon when it’s windy and hot, right? That may not be a good idea, “ he said. “We’d really ask folks to think things through.”

Chief Deputy Travis Medema from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office echoed Williams’ suggestion warning people to be aware of possible ignition sources, especially during this potential heat wave. That includes dragging chains on the pavement, sparks coming from power tools and tossing cigarette butts outside.

“I would just encourage Oregonians that when we have critical conditions — and this probably won’t be the first of the 2026 wildfire season — just the recognition that, you know, fires under these types of conditions, these big thermal ridges, can start easier because fuels are drier and more receptive to burn,” Medema said. “And they spread really rapidly.”

Both Williams and Medema say their agencies have prepared for this year’s season with additional staffing, resources and some new tools to help their crews battle fires across the state.

On Friday, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue also enacted its burn ban, which starts June 13 and includes portions of Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill counties.

Portland Fire & Rescue also announced its burn ban across the city starting June 15. In a press release, fire officials said the ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits and yard debris and agricultural burning.

The ban will remain in effect throughout the summer.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/12/weekend-heat-wave-wildfire-concerns/