Oregon Wildfire Lawsuit

About Oregon Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural part of the environment, but recent Oregon fires have become larger and more destructive. Extended droughts and human activity can make them more likely as well.

State fire experts have noted that the 2026 season has started early due to historic heat and drought.

Here’s what to know about Oregon wildfire risks:

• 2,232 Oregon wildfires happened in 2024, burning 1,797,796 acres
• In 2024, Oregon lost more acres to wildfires than any other state
• As of 2025, 128,007 Oregon homes and their occupants are at high risk of extreme wildfires
• Lightning caused 26% of Oregon’s wildfires between 2013-2022
• Oregon’s annual fire season is typically May-October
• PacifiCorp agreed to a $575 million settlement in February 2026 that included payments to victims of Oregon’s 242 Fire, Archie Creek Fire, Echo Mountain Complex Fire, and South Obenchain Fire
• The 2012 Long Draw Fire was the most destructive in the state’s history, burning 557,028 acres before it was contained
• The state averages 2,149 wildfires annually, based on data from 2010-2019
• The Trout Creek Fire was the first notable Oregon wildfire of 2026 to date, burning an estimated 40 acres in early May

Many Oregon wildfires begin because of human negligence. If you’re eligible to take legal action, an Oregon wildfire lawsuit settlement could provide peace of mind and help you heal.

Get a free case review today to learn if you can file an Oregon wildfire lawsuit.

History of Wildfires in Oregon

Oregon has a long history of wildfires. Recent fires have caused widespread destruction across the state due to factors like drier foliage across landscapes, intensified storms, and human negligence.

Below is a brief timeline of notable recent wildfires in the state of Oregon:

• 2025: The Cram Fire burned nearly 100,000 acres after a fire on private property grew out of control
• 2024: The Durkee Fire burned almost 300,000 acres in Malheur and Baker counties
• 2023: The Flat Fire destroyed over 23,346 acres after starting on private property
• 2022: The Cedar Creek Fire began after a lightning strike and encompassed 127,311 acres
• 2021: The Bootleg Fire destroyed 408 buildings, including 161 homes, across Lake and Klamath Counties
• 2020: The Santiam Fire killed five people and destroyed thousands of homes
• 2018: The Klondike Fire burned 175,528 acres after a lightning storm
• 2017: The Chetco Bar Fire forced 5,000 people to evacuate residential areas, destroyed six homes, and consumed 190,000 acres
• 2014: The Buzzard Complex Fire started after a lightning strike and burned 395,747 acres
• 2012: The Long Draw Fire destroyed almost 560,000 acres and became the biggest fire in Oregon since the 1840s
• 2007: The Egley Complex Fire burned 140,360 acres after lightning struck in Harney County

You can stay aware of the latest fires in Oregon by checking the Fire Help Center active fire map. Our Oregon wildfire map can help keep you and your loved ones safer.

The Cram Fire

900 firefighters worked to contain the Cram Fire in central Oregon after a faulty Central Electric Cooperative transformer sparked on July 13, 2025. The flames grew until they were almost a megafire, which requires burning over 100,000 acres.

The Cram Fire ultimately burned two homes and 14 other buildings. When wildfires start from similar human negligence, victims may qualify to file an Oregon fire lawsuit.

Call Fire Help Center at (866) 866-0753 if you think you may be eligible.

The Durkee Fire

The residents of Malheur and Baker counties faced the Durkee Fire in July 2024. Lightning struck during a storm and destroyed almost 300,000 acres.

Cattle ranchers lost grazing land and had to restructure their animal care since public land allotments remained closed to grazing through 2025.

The Flat Fire

An ignition on a private, off-the-grid property started the Flat Fire in 2023. Investigators found a point of origin, but haven’t determined the exact cause.

The wildfire destroyed 23,346 acres in Jefferson County and required $29 million from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF’s) fire season budget to manage.

The Cedar Creek Fire

Lightning struck a tree in the Willamette National Forest in August 2022. Ground resources were dispatched almost immediately due to a quick sighting.

Dry weather and strong winds fueled the Cedar Creek Fire. In total, it burned 127,311 acres and caused substantial ecological damage.

The Bootleg Fire

A July 6 storm caused a lightning strike in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in 2021. The resulting fire quickly spread, destroying 413,736 acres, 161 houses, and 247 other buildings within Lake and Klamath Counties. Firefighters were able to contain it after more than a month.

The Santiam Fire

19 fires burned across Santiam Canyon during Labor Day weekend in 2020. Most were started by embers from the Beachie Creek Fire, carried by strong winds.

The Santiam Fire killed five people and burned thousands of homes. Wind-carried embers were credited with contributing to the spread, but some fires were started by downed PacifiCorp power lines. A jury ultimately announced a $305 million verdict for related damages.

If you’ve lost loved ones or belongings to a wildfire started by human negligence, you may be eligible to take legal action with an Oregon wildfire lawsuit. Contact us today to speak with our team and learn about your options.

The Klondike Fire

Over 120 fires started after a lightning storm formed northwest of Sema on July 15, 2018. They grew into the Klondike Fire, which eventually also included the Taylor Fire, and affected the Agness, Selma, and Oak Flat communities.

175,528 acres were lost to the wildfire. No injuries or loss of life were reported.

The Chetco Bar Fire

The Chetco Bar Fire started in Southwest Oregon in 2017. It ultimately burned over 191,000 acres and mostly affected the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Hundreds of residents of Brookings and nearby communities had to evacuate and lost six homes.

The Buzzard Complex Fire

A lightning strike on July 14, 2014, started the Buzzard Complex Fire. It spread quickly across dry grass and brush, destroying 395,747 acres before emergency management teams were finally able to contain it.

The Long Draw Fire

Firefighters battled the Long Draw Fire throughout almost the entire month of July in 2012. Lightning struck in southeast Oregon and burned 560,000 acres of rural land. Cattle died in the blaze as more than 480 first responders fought to contain the wildfire.

The Egley Complex Fire

The 2007 Egley Complex Fire burned near the Hines and Burns communities of Harney County. It destroyed 140,360 acres after a lightning strike started 17 fires. No homes or lives were lost.

What Starts Oregon Wildfires?

Lightning accounted for 26% of Oregon’s wildfires between 2013 and 2022. Storms can strike dry trees or brush, especially during extreme droughts.

Other causes of wildfires in Oregon include:

• 22%: Equipment use
• 20%: Debris burning
• 20%: Human activities
• 11%: Miscellaneous
• 0.3%: Railroad

When human negligence is responsible for fire incidents, victims may pursue compensation. Get a free case review to find out your eligibility for an Oregon wildfire lawsuit. Our team is here to listen.

Equipment Use

Equipment-caused wildfires start when sparks fly from tools or machinery, often in a dry area. Welders, vehicle exhaust systems, and lawn mowers may cause an ignition. In Oregon, equipment causes 22% of wildfires.

Sometimes, sparks from tools or machinery are accidental. Other times, the person wielding the tool might not have taken fire safety precautions.

Firefighters and police can determine the difference during investigations. An Oregon wildfire lawyer may also conduct an investigation to learn what caused a wildfire and help victims pursue compensation.

Debris Burning

Backyard burn piles cause 20% of Oregon’s wildfires. However, they may get out of control after fuel application or get carried by strong winds.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) estimates that 70% of escaped debris burn fires happen when it’s illegal to have them during fire season. Fines can reach thousands of dollars.

Human Activities

People may accidentally or purposefully start wildfires. Investigators determine if there was intention behind a wildfire’s ignition source as part of their reports.

People cause 20% of Oregon’s wildfires by:

• Enjoying recreational activities, like starting a campfire
• Improperly disposing of a lit cigarette or cigar
• Committing arson
• Being negligent with equipment
• Playing with ignition sources as a young kid

If you’ve suffered from a wildfire started by human activities or negligence, call Fire Help Center at (866) 866-0753. Our team will listen to your story and help you learn if you qualify for compensation with an Oregon wildfire lawsuit.

Miscellaneous Causes

Miscellaneous ignition refers to wildfire causes that occur infrequently. It only accounts for 11% of Oregon’s wildfires.

Spontaneous combustion, light reflecting off of glass, and electric fences could all be considered miscellaneous causes, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. It may include other causes, depending on the circumstances and whether the fire was set intentionally.

Railroad-Related Ignition Sources

Trains can generate sparks when they move down tracks. If the sparks land in dry brush or get carried on strong winds, they may ignite a wildfire. It doesn’t happen often in Oregon, as railroads only cause 0.3% of the state’s fires.

Call us at (866) 866-0753 if you think human negligence caused a wildfire that harmed you or your loved ones. Our team can help you understand what happened and provide clarity on what you can do next.

Where Are the Wildfires in Oregon?

The most at-risk areas for wildfires in Oregon include the Cascade Range, the Harney Basin, and land along the state’s northern border. Dry vegetation and ongoing droughts can make wildfires more likely.

As of May 2026, Oregon wildfire news reports have covered several wildfires:

• May 3: The Trout Creek Fire burned 43 acres in Sisters
• April 27: The McGinnis Creek Fire destroyed one acre in Canyonville
• April 9: The Baby Bear Fire burned 15 acres in Melrose
• April 5: The Three Creek Fire destroyed 21 acres in Chiloquin
• March 26: The Woods Creek Fire burned 11 acres in Glendale
• March 23: The Hall Road Fire destroyed 11 acres in Veneta
• March 19: The Scharen Road Fire burned one acre in Springfield
• February 6: The Ag Fire destroyed 11 acres in Lakeview
• February 4: The Tanner Creek Fire has burned 50 acres in Myrtle Point as of May

You can check the Fire Help Center active fire map to see the latest updates on wildfires in Oregon today. Monitoring an Oregon fire map year-round could help you stay safe, especially during intense regional droughts.

Damages Caused by Oregon Wildfires

Wildfires in Oregon can cause widespread destruction to homes, communities, and natural ecosystems. Some damage, like chemical residue left in standing structures, can also linger long after the fire ends.

Oregon’s wildfires may cause:

• Community damage: Rebuilding storefronts, schools, and community resources takes time and money. Residents may also pay higher taxes to accommodate losses in the state’s wildfire budget, like Oregon’s 2026 Zyn tax.
• Ecosystem destruction: Trees and foliage may take months or years to return after widespread destruction like the Bend, Oregon wildfire that burned over 6,000 acres. Wildfires also add contaminants to waterways. Local wildlife may leave in search of food, water, and shelter.
• Personal injuries or loss: Wildfires can kill and injure people. Some injuries or illnesses happen after smoke exposure, like changes in lung function or heart attacks.
• Property loss: Wildfires destroy homes and businesses, like the 161 houses lost in the 2021 Bootleg Fire. People may need years to restore or rebuild, depending on what a fire leaves behind.

Recovering from a wildfire can take an extensive amount of time and money. If you’re trying to move forward after a fire started by human activity, you may be eligible to take legal action by filing an Oregon wildfire lawsuit.

Get a free case review today to speak with our team and potentially speak with an Oregon wildfire lawyer.

Who Investigates Wildfires in Oregon?

Oregon wildfire investigations depend on where a fire happens. State and local officials start the process based on jurisdiction.

Organizations involved in wildfire investigations may include:

• Local fire departments
• The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon and Washington Fire Program, if a wildfire occurred on BLM land
• The ODF, if a wildfire happened on protected ODF land

Investigators review details, including a recent map of Oregon wildfires, to find ignition points and track weather patterns. In some cases, they may determine that negligence contributed to the fire.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires in Oregon?

Homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in Oregon. The state has an insurance code requiring that companies provide that coverage. Policies may also pay for additional living expenses, personal property replacement, and repairs from smoke, fire, and ash damage.

“Insurance companies are known to delay or lowball valid wildfire claims, especially after large-scale disasters when thousands of families are looking for help at the same time.”

— Sokolove Law

If insurers undervalue claims or deny coverage, residents may file disputes, which can take months to years to resolve. Wildfire victims may explore legal options to seek additional compensation if this occurs.

Contact us now to speak with Fire Help Center team members about your experience. If you qualify for legal action, a settlement from an Oregon wildfire lawsuit could help you heal and move forward.

How Can an Oregon Wildfire Settlement Help?

People who qualify for and access wildfire settlements may use the funds to rebuild their homes, restart their businesses, or afford medical treatments. Compensation provides peace of mind after loss.

Notable Oregon wildfire settlements and verdicts include:

• 2026: A jury issued a $305 million verdict against PacifiCorp for 16 survivors of the 2020 Santiam Fire.
• 2026: PacifiCorp reached a $575 million settlement that included payments to victims of Oregon’s 2020 Archie Creek Fire, 242 Fire, South Obenchain Fire, and Echo Mountain Complex Fire, after the company’s power lines started six Oregon and California wildfires.
• 2025: PacifiCorp reached a $150 million settlement for 1,434 victims of the 2020 Labor Day weekend wildfires in Oregon.
• 2023: PacifiCorp agreed to a $299 million settlement specifically related to 170 homes lost in the 2020 Archie Creek Fire.

A settlement could help you afford funeral expenses, medical care, and daily living expenses after a wildfire started by human activity. An Oregon wildfire lawsuit could give you peace of mind while you recover.

Talk with our team today to see if you’re eligible for compensation.

How Can an Oregon Wildfire Lawyer Help?

Wildfire victims in Oregon may have legal options if negligence contributed to a fire that caused injuries, loss of life, or property destruction. An Oregon wildfire lawyer may be able to help.

If you’re eligible, an Oregon wildfire lawyer may file a lawsuit in the right court before legal deadlines pass. They could seek damages by negotiating strong settlements or fighting for you in court if needed.

An Oregon wildfire lawsuit could help you pursue compensation for:

• Lost income or business losses
• Medical expenses related to smoke exposure
• Property damage and rebuilding costs
• Temporary housing expenses

Settlement funds could help you focus on healing and moving forward after tragedy. Call our team at (866) 866-0753 to learn if you’re eligible to work with an Oregon wildfire attorney and seek compensation.

Get Help Filing an Oregon Wildfire Lawsuit

Wildfires can cause tragic losses. Evacuation stress and the emotional toll of personal property destruction can be overwhelming, too.

The Fire Help Center team can review the evidence linked to your claim and let you know where you stand legally. If you are eligible to make a claim, they can connect you with an Oregon fire attorney who may take action against the responsible parties.

If you were affected by an Oregon wildfire, legal guidance may help you understand your rights and potential next steps. Call (866) 866-0753 or get a free case review now to get support resources and learn if you can file an Oregon wildfire lawsuit.