WHEELER COUNTY, Ore. — The Butte Creek Fire has become Oregon’s first major wildfire of the 2025 season, erupting Sunday afternoon in northwest Wheeler County and growing rapidly overnight. As of Monday morning, the blaze has scorched an estimated 2,000 acres, a significant jump from the initial 300-acre estimate.
The fire is burning in a rugged, remote region near the junction of Wheeler, Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam counties — about nine miles north of Clarno. Currently, no evacuation orders are in place, but the situation is evolving as high winds threaten to push the fire further.
The #ButteCreekFire made a 1,500+ acre run overnight and is now at approx. 2,000 total acres. Interagency resources, Wheeler County RFPA, and Gillham County Fire Service are on scene. The arrival of a hotshot crew and air attack resources are expected for today.
— Central OR Fire Info (@CentralORFire) May 26, 2025
Fire officials have deployed multiple resources, including hotshot crews, engines, an air tanker, and aerial support. Strong west-northwest winds are expected to pick up by midday, with gusts between 25 to 30 mph, complicating firefighting efforts.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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The Butte Creek Fire could be an early indicator of what’s to come. Oregon is on track for a hotter and drier-than-average summer, setting the stage for increased wildfire activity and extreme heat risks.
According to this forecast from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center:
👉 CPC Seasonal Forecast
- June through September shows a 50–60% probability of above-average temperatures for most of Oregon.
- Precipitation is expected to be 40–50% below normal, worsening already dry conditions.
In Portland, the risk is especially high. The city is blanketed with urban heat islands — densely built areas that trap heat and exacerbate temperature extremes. While a typical July brings a high of 82°F and about 2.7 inches of rain, Portland recorded only 1 inch of rain in April, according to NWS meteorologist Anna Ruhl.
“We’re already at abnormally dry conditions on the drought monitor,” Ruhl told Axios.
Wildfire Risk and Health Concerns on the Rise
Last year, Oregon endured a devastating wildfire season that burned more acreage than any other year in recorded history. With a similar weather pattern shaping up this summer — hot, dry, and windy — even a single spark can turn deadly.
And it’s not just fires. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are expected to rise as temperatures soar and access to cooling becomes critical for at-risk communities.
While most wildfires are caused by human activity, climate conditions like these drastically increase the likelihood of large, fast-moving fires. The Butte Creek Fire may just be the beginning.
Stay informed. Stay cautious. With the fire season already underway and conditions worsening, Oregonians are urged to stay alert, limit outdoor burning, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
