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Rowe Creek Complex Fire Nears Full Containment in Central Oregon Amid Management Transition

Rowe Creek Complex Fire Nears Full Containment in Central Oregon Amid Management Transition

The Rowe Creek Complex fire, located 10 miles south of Fossil, Oregon, has reached 373,784 acres and is now 89% contained. Despite the high containment, 59 miles of fire lines remain uncontrolled. The fire, caused by lightning, is currently being managed by 1,318 personnel. A significant operational change is underway as the Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 2 (ODFCIMT2) is transitioning to take unified command from Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 (SWCIMT2). Crews are actively working to widen lines connecting Mill Creek and US 26, while also strengthening contingency lines as backup. Fuel removal operations continue along US 26, and structural protection teams are patrolling the Mill Creek area and conducting gridding searches on properties along Ranger Station Road. Crook County has reduced some evacuation statuses, leading to the closure of the Red Cross shelter in Prineville.

Oregon Wildfire Season Breaks Records, Straining State Resources

Oregon Wildfire Season Breaks Records, Straining State Resources

Oregon is experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season in 2026, with over 2.3 million acres burned across the state by August 10 from more than 1,400 fires. This area surpasses the combined size of Delaware and Rhode Island and has already exceeded the total acreage burned in the previous record-setting 2024 fire season. The peak fire season typically occurs in August and September, but large, fast-moving fires began in early July this year, exacerbated by low snowpack, widespread drought conditions, and persistent lightning strikes. The Big Grass fire, one of the largest, has scorched over 500,000 acres spanning the Idaho-Oregon border and is only 36% contained. Jessica Neujahr, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Forestry, confirmed that fire activity is expected to continue throughout the season, noting that fire seasons have progressively worsened since 2013.

Red Flag Warning Issued for Central and Eastern Oregon Amid Isolated Storms

Red Flag Warning Issued for Central and Eastern Oregon Amid Isolated Storms

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Central and Eastern Oregon until 9 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026, due to the potential for isolated thunderstorms. These storms, while sparse, pose a risk of igniting new wildfires with lightning strikes. Winds generated by high-based storms may exacerbate existing fires by increasing activity. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-lower 80s (27-29°C), typical for mid-August. Air quality has been variable, with smoke settling closer to the surface during cooler overnight temperatures. The Grasshopper and Wrights Spring fires continue to produce significant smoke in the region.

Oregon Wildfires: Henry, Coyote, and Shingle Fires Update

Oregon Wildfires: Henry, Coyote, and Shingle Fires Update

Three major wildfires are currently active in Oregon: the Henry Fire, Coyote Fire, and Shingle Fire. As of August 13, 2026, the Henry Fire has burned 29,850 acres and is 97% contained, located 5 miles south of Paulina Guard Station. The Coyote Fire has burned 17,459 acres with 88% containment, situated 5 miles south of Post, Oregon. The Shingle Fire, the largest of the three, has burned 73,016 acres and is 86% contained, located 14 miles southeast of Mitchell, Oregon. Crews are actively patrolling, mopping up hot spots, and removing hazardous trees. Weather conditions remain hot, dry, and windy, with red flag warnings ahead of forecasted thunderstorms.

Over 11,000 Firefighters Battle 30 Large Wildfires Across Oregon

Over 11,000 Firefighters Battle 30 Large Wildfires Across Oregon

As of August 12, 2026, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reported that 11,798 firefighters are actively combating 30 large wildfires across the state. Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and dry fuels are contributing to elevated wildfire risks in Oregon and Washington. Temperatures in the region range from the 70s to 90s (21°C to 32°C), with relative humidity levels varying from the teens to over 40%. Red flag warnings for thunderstorms are in effect for parts of Washington and central and eastern Oregon. The Grasshopper Fire near Mt. Hood has burned 85,114 acres, destroyed six primary residences and 15 outbuildings, and remains 20% contained. Crews are conducting strategic operations to limit the fire's spread, while evacuation notices are in place for Hood River, Wasco, and Clackamas counties.

Pacific Northwest Faces Record-Breaking Wildfire Season

Pacific Northwest Faces Record-Breaking Wildfire Season

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a devastating wildfire season, with record-breaking fires ravaging the region. According to the Los Angeles Times, Oregon has seen 2.3 million acres burned, primarily in the eastern and central parts of the state, due to a combination of drought, lightning, and high winds. The smoke has severely impacted air quality, with Portland experiencing some of the worst air conditions globally. Washington state has also been heavily affected, with over 900 homes and businesses destroyed near Spokane. In British Columbia, Canada, fires in the Okanagan Valley have forced 20,000 residents to evacuate. The phenomenon of 'climate whiplash,' where extreme wet periods are followed by drought, has been identified as a key factor fueling these wildfires. (Source: Los Angeles Times, 2026-08-13, 13:32:45 GMT)

Timber Fire Threatens Big Sur Amid Ongoing Natural Disasters

Timber Fire Threatens Big Sur Amid Ongoing Natural Disasters

The Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, has grown to 3,700 acres as of Wednesday, August 13, 2026, and remains only 5% contained. The fire, which started in the Los Padres National Forest near Loma Vista, is threatening over 500 structures, including homes and businesses. More than 900 firefighters, supported by helicopters, bulldozers, and hand crews, are working to contain the blaze. The fire has disrupted tourism in the area, which was recovering from previous natural disasters, including landslides and closures of Highway 1. Residents and businesses are facing significant economic losses as evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. The marine layer has provided some moisture, but higher elevations are experiencing dry conditions and strong winds, complicating firefighting efforts.

Wildfires Devastate Washington State's National Parks

Wildfires Devastate Washington State's National Parks

Wildfires have severely impacted all of Washington state's national parks, including North Cascades National Park, as reported by NBC News. As of August 13, 2026, wildfires have consumed over 6.4 million acres across the United States, with 103 new fires reported on August 12 alone. The Border 2 Fire, which ignited on August 7, has been particularly destructive in North Cascades National Park. The fires are fueled by a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and lightning strikes, creating a challenging situation for firefighters and residents alike. (Source: NBC News, 2026-08-13, 21:00:15 GMT)

Improved Air Quality in Montana Amid Wildfire Activity

Improved Air Quality in Montana Amid Wildfire Activity

Air quality across Montana has significantly improved over the past 24 hours due to cooler air, cloud cover, and scattered precipitation, which have helped reduce smoke production from regional wildfires. However, recent storms have introduced a new risk of fire starts due to lightning strikes. The most active wildfires in the state include the Bobcat Lakes Fire, which has burned over 9,000 acres, and the Sand Creek Fire, which has consumed more than 27,000 acres. Fires in the Sapphire Mountains, such as the Moose Fire (5,678 acres) and Black Bear Fire (2,106 acres), have also seen reduced smoke production due to light rain. As of 8:00 AM on August 13, 2026, air quality in cities like Dillon, Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings is categorized as moderate. A secondary surge of moisture is expected to bring additional precipitation, particularly to southwest Montana, further aiding in smoke reduction.

Hazy Skies and Moderate Air Quality Persist in Oregon

Hazy Skies and Moderate Air Quality Persist in Oregon

Hazy skies are expected to continue across Oregon through late Friday or early Saturday due to wildfire smoke carried by north/northeast winds. Air quality is forecasted to remain in the 'Moderate' range (AQI 50-100), which is not expected to cause widespread health impacts. High temperatures will reach the low to mid-80s °F (27-29 °C) during the day, with lows dropping to 50-60 °F (10-16 °C) at night. Meanwhile, monsoonal moisture from the southwestern U.S. is moving northward, bringing isolated to scattered thunderstorms to central and eastern Oregon through at least Monday. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for areas including Bend, Burns, John Day, and Baker City until 9 p.m. Thursday due to the risk of dry lightning, which could exacerbate ongoing wildfires.

High-Risk Landslide Areas Identified in the U.S.

High-Risk Landslide Areas Identified in the U.S.

Recent research has pinpointed regions in the United States where the risk of landslides is highest, challenging previous assumptions that primarily focused on the West Coast. This study highlights areas with significant populations exposed to landslide hazards, emphasizing the need for updated risk assessments and preparedness strategies. Additionally, other notable weather events have occurred globally, including volcanic activity at Mount Etna in Italy, powerful storms in Ohio, and destructive wildfires in eastern Oregon. These events underscore the dynamic and often hazardous nature of weather and geological phenomena worldwide.