Oregon’s total active wildfires now greater than size of Rhode Island

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The total land burned or burning in Oregon reached more than a million acres on Friday, meaning the size of land burning in the state is now greater than the entire state of Rhode Island.

The New England state is the smallest state in the country, measuring 988,864 acres or 1,545 square miles. As of Friday morning, there were 125 active fires burning in Oregon, totaling 1,018,218 acres.

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The worst of Oregon’s wildfires is the Durkee Fire, sitting at 284,273 acres. This single fire is larger than Multnomah County—the smallest county in the state with 275,840 acres of land.

With nearly two months of summer remaining, Oregon officials say the 2024 wildfire season is the state’s largest in four years. The 2020 fire season caused hazardous air conditions for nearly a month and led to several lawsuits filed by those who lost homes.

But while the 2024 wildfires have consumed enormous areas of land, particularly in Eastern Oregon, the fires are far less destructive than the 2020 Labor Day Fires. The 2020 fires killed 11 people and destroyed more than 4,000 homes. So far, Oregon’s 2024 fire season has caused no deaths and has destroyed 21 homes.

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The fire-heavy season has made Oregon the number one firefighting priority in the country. Close to 6,800 firefighters are working across the state to contain the fires.

In late June, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared an extended state of emergency lasting through Oct. 1, 2024.

The declaration redirects resources to wildfire fighting efforts throughout the state, freeing up deployment of the National Guard along with firefighters and structural equipment from California and Washington.

Local crews and partners from across the nation are working to mop up wildfires like the Microwave Tower Fire, which is now more than 50% contained just southwest of Mosier. Officials say they will soon be able to pivot manpower and resources to the Whiskey Creek Fire burning on the other side of Hood River.

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Safety Officer Tim Garity said Oregon wildfires have received resources from as far out as Utah, Nevada, and North Carolina.

“The biggest challenge right now is just the national scope of the wildfires going on right now,” Garity said. “So limited resources, that’s been the one thing that’s been really hampering our decisions on going in direct and having to look at what we can do to mitigate those values that are out there and keep the firefighters safe while on the line.”

In the meantime, tents are pitched throughout the Incident Command Center. Garity added that, beyond making sure crews are hydrated and fed three meals a day, line medical ambulances, rapid expansion units, and overhead supervision are what keep the joint teams safe.

Bryan Tice, a spokesperson for the Sauvie Island Fire District, said that when it comes to teamwork, it’s about looking after your neighbor.

“When your neighbor’s house is on fire, you don’t haggle over the price of a garden hose. You just get in there and help,” Tice said.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.

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