Wildfires have been surging across Oregon, with terrible blazes growing in at least seven of the state’s counties. But while the fires themselves are horrific, the effect they’re having on the local atmosphere is otherworldly. Below is a collection of some of the most striking images and videos taken of the strange landscape. And remember this is Oregon in 2020, not Los Angeles in 2049Opens in a new tab….
This is nuts. Downtown Stayton at 12:22pm. Be safe, everyone. #KGWOpens in a new tab #OregonOpens in a new tab #FireOpens in a new tab #SmokeOpens in a new tab #LionsheadFireOpens in a new tab @KGWNewsOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/ff4MKKU4qmOpens in a new tab
— Christine Pitawanich (@CPitawanichKGW) September 8, 2020Opens in a new tab
The above video was posted by KGW 8 News Reporter Christine PitawanichOpens in a new tab on September 8. In the video, Pitawanich notes the “glow in the sky,” which has turned Downtown Stayton into a blood-red nightmare. The strange, red hue is a result of the way smoke particles in the air scatter sunlightOpens in a new tab.
Below is another glimpse of the demonic landscape, also captured on September 8. The image, posted by Twitter user, Ref. Odie BrownOpens in a new tab, shows a UPS truck bathed in a red glow even Hellboy would find a little spooky.
Both Pitawanich’s video and Brown’s image were taken around noon.
Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOTOpens in a new tab) has also snapped some surreal images. Below, ODOT shows the Capitol Mall in Salem pressed against a yellow-orange sky.

OregonDOT
Unfortunately, the raging firesOpens in a new tab show little sign of abating at this point. A combination of conditions, including some of the driest weather in decades as well as harsh winds, has made it difficult for firefighters to battle the blazes.
“You combine that series of conditions and you have a supreme alignment for destructive fires,” Oregon Department of Forestry’s Chief of Fire Protections, Doug Grafe, said in an OPB reportOpens in a new tab that comes via BoingBoingOpens in a new tab. “[There’s] absolutely no context for this environment,” Grafe added.
Timelapse of I-5 from Albany to Salem. Crazy. At 10:30am it was as if it were dusk especially right as you enter Marion Co. Stay safe out there, everyone! #OregonOpens in a new tab #FireOpens in a new tab #FireWXOpens in a new tab #SmokeOpens in a new tab #KGWOpens in a new tab @KGWNewsOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/fhfWYtw33pOpens in a new tab
— Christine Pitawanich (@CPitawanichKGW) September 8, 2020Opens in a new tab
What do you think about these surreal images of the wildfire skies in Oregon? Do any of these images bring to mind a particular dystopian scene for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Feature image: OregonDOTOpens in a new tab