Early Wildfire Season Begins in Oregon Amid Federal Budget Cuts

The Butte Creek Fire, which ignited on May 25, 2025, approximately nine miles north of Clarno in Wheeler County, Oregon, has rapidly expanded to 1,776 acres, prompting evacuations in nearby areas, including Mosier. This early-season wildfire signals a potentially severe fire season for Oregon, exacerbated by recent federal budget cuts impacting firefighting resources.

In 2024, Oregon experienced its most destructive wildfire season on record, with over 1.9 million acres burned and firefighting costs exceeding $350 million. In response, Governor Tina Kotek declared May 2025 as "Wildfire Awareness Month" to emphasize preparedness. However, unseasonably hot and dry conditions have led to earlier fire activity, challenging the state's readiness.

Compounding these challenges are recent federal budget cuts. In early 2025, the Trump administration implemented funding freezes and workforce reductions affecting federal wildfire prevention programs. These cuts led to the firing of thousands of employees in agencies managing federal lands, including approximately 3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees and 1,000 National Park Service workers. This reduction has raised concerns about the capacity to handle future wildfire seasons effectively.

Senator Ron Wyden criticized these budget cuts, highlighting concerns over reduced resources for firefighting efforts. In a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, Oregon's congressional delegation urged reconsideration of the ongoing hiring freeze and termination of employees at the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management. They emphasized that "fewer firefighters and insufficient staffing during fire season exacerbate fire response delays, prevent effective mitigation efforts, and place lives, property, and our environment at greater risk."

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 50-60% chance of above-average temperatures from June through September, increasing the risk of wildfires. These hotter and drier conditions, combined with reduced federal support, pose significant challenges for Oregon's wildfire preparedness and response.

Local communities are already feeling the impact. Nonprofit organizations like the Lomakatsi Restoration Project, which focuses on forest health through fuels reduction and workforce development initiatives, have faced immediate pauses on funding for fuels reduction projects due to the federal funding freeze. Executive Director Marko Bey reported that "some 15 full-time employees — including crew members, foresters, and wildland fire professionals — we had to put on temporary layoff last week with more guaranteed if the freeze continues." This halt affects approximately 40,000 acres of forest restoration work, increasing the wildland fire threat for the region.

In response to the escalating costs of wildfire management, Oregon lawmakers approved $218 million in emergency funds in December 2024 to cover expenses from the 2024 wildfire season. Governor Kotek signed the bill, stating, "This summer's wildfire season called for sacrifice, courage, and cooperation from everyone involved." Despite these efforts, the combination of early-season fires, federal budget cuts, and challenging climate conditions underscores the need for continued vigilance and resource allocation to protect Oregon's communities and natural resources.

The early onset of the Butte Creek Fire serves as a stark reminder of the escalating wildfire threats in Oregon. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort involving adequate funding, resource allocation, and proactive policy measures to safeguard communities and natural resources.