Durkee Fire in Oregon becomes largest active wildfire in the U.S.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Durkee Fire burning in Eastern Oregon is currently the largest active wildfire in the United States, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center.

National data show Oregon firefighters are battling the four largest wildfires in the country as of Wednesday morning—including the Durkee, Cow Valley, Falls, and Lone Rock fires.

All four fires qualify as “megafires,” meaning they have reached a size of at least 100,000 acres.

1. Durkee Fire

Location: Baker County
Size: 239,255 acres
Containment: 0%

2. Falls Fire

Location: Harney County
Size: 139,507 acres
Containment: 40%

3. Cow Valley Fire

Location: Malheur County
Size: 133,490 acres
Containment: 91%

4. Lone Rock

Location: Gilliam County
Size: 131,407 acres
Containment: 40%

The Durkee Fire doubled in size earlier this week after a lighting strike sparked the first flame on Thursday, July 18. Fire officials expect “extreme fire behavior and growth” on Wednesday as the area continues to be under a Red Flag Warning and Flash Flood Watch due to the potential for severe thunderstorms and wind gusts of 70-75 mph.

Last week, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a wildfire state of emergency to free up deployment of the National Guard along with firefighters and structural equipment from California and Washington.

“To be very honest, our wildfire season is off to a very aggressive start,” Kotek said in a briefing, adding that this summer could be “a long wildfire season.”

Daily reports released by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which helps coordinate the deployment of firefighting resources in Oregon and Washington, show the federal government has given the region the highest level of priority for receiving additional firefighters.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.