Oregon officials urge drivers to prepare for wildfire season as smoke, road closures increase
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- State officials are urging Oregonians to plan ahead, stay informed and travel prepared as wildfire activity increases across Oregon during the 2026 season. Hazardous driving conditions, severely reduced visibility and worsening air quality are resulting from the fires.
The Oregon Department of Transportation, Ore. Department of Emergency Management, Ore. Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Health Authority are collaboratively working to keep residents safe.
Heavy smoke from the wildfires can severely reduce visibility, worsen air quality and create unhealthy driving situations. Already, fire activity has caused temporary road closures, reduced speed zones and detours in several areas of the state.
These agencies are asking the public to take steps to prepare before driving. Officials emphasize that conditions can change quickly during wildfire season.
Alaina Calhoun, Emergency Coordination Center Manager for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, stressed the importance of vehicle readiness for summer road trips.
“If you're planning a road trip this summer, make sure your car is ready,” Calhoun said. “Start your trip with a full tank of gas or a full electric charge, check your tires and air conditioner and know your route ahead of time. Conditions can change quickly during wildfire season.”
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management encourages travelers to carry a well-stocked emergency car kit for unexpected delays or closures. Recommended items include:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or a reflective triangle
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Blanket
- Map or printed directions
- Cell phone and car charger
- Backup power supply
- Hand-crank weather radio
- N95 respirator
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Wet wipes, garbage bags and toilet paper
- Whistle
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Portable shovel
The Oregon Health Authority advises keeping vehicle interiors as clean as possible when air quality is poor. Drivers should keep windows closed, turn air settings to recirculate and run the fan. Smoking, vaping and scented fresheners should be avoided inside the vehicle as they can add to pollution. If it is hot, drivers should use the vehicle's air conditioner, set to recirculate, to maintain safe temperatures and air quality.
Kacey Davey, Lead Public Information Officer for the Oregon Department of Transportation, highlighted the collective responsibility in wildfire prevention and the impact of smoke on driving.
“We all have a role to play in preventing wildfires in Oregon, especially as extended drought conditions create a greater window of opportunity for roadside ignitions,” Davey said. “Smoke affects visibility as well as air quality and can lead to sudden changes in driving conditions. If visibility is poor or air quality is hazardous, consider delaying your trip. Safety should always come first. If you must drive in smoky conditions, keep windows closed and set your car's air system to recirculate to reduce the amount of smoke entering the vehicle.”
For those experiencing stress or anxiety due to driving conditions, help is available by dialing 988. The Agristress helpline also provides support for agricultural workers. Drivers are reminded to never text while driving and to call only when it is safe, such as after pulling over or arriving at a destination.
Before traveling, individuals should check road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511. It is important to follow all local fire restrictions and closures and be aware of smoke conditions that could affect health and visibility. When pulling off the road, drivers should stay on paved surfaces to prevent fires from hot vehicle components contacting dry grass. Chains should be secured to prevent sparks from dragging and proper tire pressure maintained to avoid sparks from driving on rims.
Real-time hazard updates, maps and fire information are available through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management's Wildfire Dashboard. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on their mobile devices. Even if not traveling, individuals should prepare by having go-bags ready for family members and creating defensible space around their homes. Preventing fires is key and more information on wildfire prevention can be found on Keep Oregon Green's website.
