The American Red Cross is responding as massive wildfires continue to burn out west. More than 75 large fires are burning and the threat isn’t over. There will be a “robust fire weather pattern” across the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies and portions of the northern Plains for the next several days. Very dry and windy conditions and extremely dry vegetation could fuel new fires and hamper efforts to contain the existing fires.

BLOOD SUPPLY CRISIS Meanwhile, the Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, deepening an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country. Don’t wait. Those who may be eligible are urged to book an appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

FIRES CONSUME MILLION+ OREGON ACRES At present 30 large fires are burning in Oregon where wildfires have consumed more than 1.8 million acres so far this season. This is more than the total acres burned by wildfires in all of 2025.

The largest fire in the state is the Big Grass Fire in southeastern Oregon. The fire has crossed into southwestern Idaho, has burned 301,572 acres and is only 15% contained. Fires consuming more than 100,000 acres include the Rowe Creek Complex burning in Crook, Jefferson and Wheeler counties which has burned 300,592 acres and is 42% contained. The Hay Creek Complex in Gilliam and Wasco counties has burned 200,292 acres and is 90% contained. The Coleman Creek Fire in southeastern Oregon has burned 180,688 acres and is uncontained. The Second Flat Fire in Harney County has burned 100,997 acres and is 18% contained. Many of these fires have forced people to leave their homes as evacuation orders are issued.

A hotline is now set up for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke. People can call 1-833-699-0554. Callers are encouraged to leave a message if their call isn’t answered. People can also complete an online form. The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or enrollment for a particular program. People in immediate danger should call 911, while those needing information on evacuation shelters should call 211.

THE HUMAN TOLL OF OREGON’S WILDFIRES Earlier this week, more than 150 people woke up to the smell of smoke in the air, facing the uncertainty of whether their homes are still standing in central and eastern Oregon. They were escaping the fires in one of six Red Cross shelters open across the state.

Behind the faces in the shelters were more than 150 personal stories of people who were frightened, anxious and uncertain about what came next as they waited for updates from the firefighters and emergency managers working tirelessly to contain the fires. Visit here to learn more.

Serving Oregon and southwest Washington, the Red Cross Cascades Region has so far opened 16 shelters, provided more than 400 overnight shelter stays and served more than 1,300 meals and snacks. 

 See her story ─ Red Cross volunteer evacuates from wildfire after getting a call at 3:00 a.m.

IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE Listen to officials and evacuate if they tell you to do so. Plan in advance where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. If you need help leaving or use public transportation, you may need extra time to evacuate. Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.

Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them to stay behind. Take your emergency go-kit with three days of supplies like food, water and medicine. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).

NEED A SHELTER? You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org, using the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to get help.

Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by a shelter for a hot meal, to charge their phone and get other support. We don’t ask for identification, and you don’t have to stay overnight. If you are coming to a shelter, if possible, bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents with you. Don’t forget any special items for family members, pets or children, such as diapers, formula and toys.

WILDFIRE SAFETY The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to help keep them safe should a wildfire occur.

• A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials.
• If you feel you’re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate.
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. Don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.
• Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.
• Download free Red Cross apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. The Red Cross Emergency app includes short guides to help you prepare, National Weather Service alerts, help locating Red Cross shelters. Our First Aid App puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. You can access new lifesaving First Aid content and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency. Both apps are available in English or Spanish.