Umatilla County fire chief urges defensible space as fire season starts early

HERMISTON — Fire officials in Umatilla County are warning residents of an aggressively early start to the 2026 fire season, noting that regional blazes are currently trending at least a month ahead of schedule.

Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Chief Scott Stanton stated that in his 32 years of firefighting in the Hermiston area, he cannot recall a season starting this early with so many significant fires. Recent regional activity includes the Twin Sisters and Highway 730 fires, alongside the Old Immigrant and Highway 37 blazes.

While sudden smoke columns often spark rumors of arson, Stanton emphasized that the primary driver behind the high volume of calls is human negligence rather than intentional acts.

“We shut down burning June 1st, [but] people still burn their burn pile or burning barrel,” Stanton said, noting that these fires frequently escape in afternoon winds. Other common ignition sources include dragging trailer safety chains that emit sparks and vehicles parking with hot catalytic converters over dry grass.

A dry winter left larger fuels, such as brush and timber, devoid of necessary moisture. Conversely, heavy spring moisture led to thick, continuous grass growth that has since dried out, fueling rapid fire spread.

To mitigate threats to properties, Stanton urges homeowners to establish “defensible space.” Recommendations include clearing flammable materials within 30 feet of structures, limbing trees, moving woodpiles, and cleaning leaves out of rain gutters to protect against falling embers.

Photo courtesy Umatilla County Fire District No. 1

---

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group