New developments in Oregon wildfires

Oregon Wildfires Escalate Due to Dry Conditions and Storms

After a slow start to the fire season in Oregon, the state has seen a sharp increase in wildfires due to prolonged dry conditions, thunderstorms, and strong winds. These factors have led to the rapid spread of fires across several regions. In response, Governor Tina Kotek declared a preemptive emergency on June 16, allowing fire agencies to share resources. She has since issued emergency conflagration declarations for multiple fires, enabling more resources to be mobilized quickly.

Below is an overview of the major wildfires currently burning in Oregon. The information is updated as of July 17, 2026, unless otherwise noted. Only fires that are not more than 90% contained or have active evacuation orders will be listed. Smaller fires may also be excluded from this list.

Gilliam County

Hoag/Lower Rock Creek Fire

• Location: South of Arlington, near the Rock Creek area
• Acreage: 10,000
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: July 16
• Containment: None
• Closures: None
• Evacuations: Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations are in place for areas southwest and southeast of Arlington. Residents can refer to the RAPTOR evacuation map for details. Arlington Elementary School serves as a shelter for evacuees.
• More Info: Visit the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office for additional details.

Hopkins Fire

• Location: North of Condon
• Acreage: 4,000 acres
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: July 15
• Containment: None
• Closures: Travel restrictions may be in place along Highway 19 near Gwendolen.
• Evacuations: Some evacuations have been made along Scott Canyon Lane, but most of the fire’s growth has not affected populated areas. A temporary shelter is available at the South Gilliam Emergency Services building in Condon.
• More Info: Visit the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office for more information.

Hulden Fire

• Location: East of Highway 19 near Rhea Lane and Hulden Lane
• Acreage: Unknown
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: July 17
• Containment: None
• Closures: Rhea Lane is closed to all non-essential traffic.
• Evacuations: Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations are in effect for areas around the fire. Refer to the RAPTOR evacuation map for details. Arlington Elementary School is available as a shelter for evacuees.
• More Info: Visit the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office for further details.

Grant County

Salmon Fire / Olive Butte Fire

• Location: Southwest of Granite in the North Fork John Day Wilderness
• Acreage: 1,508 / 2,652
• Cause: Lightning
• Began: July 8
• Containment: 15% / 10%
• Closures: Temporary forest closures have been implemented around the Salmon, Olive Butte, and Anthony fires. A map of closure areas is available online.
• Evacuations: Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations are in place for surrounding areas. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office is managing these efforts.
• More Info: Visit the Salmon Fire OR 2026 page for more information.

Anthony Fire

• Location: 34 miles north of Baker City
• Acreage: 1,948
• Cause: Lightning
• Began: July 8
• Containment: 8%
• Closures: Similar to the Salmon Fire, temporary forest closures are in place.
• Evacuations: Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations are in effect. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office is overseeing these actions.
• More Info: Visit the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest page for more details.

Jackson County

East Evans Creek Fire

• Location: 14 miles northeast of Rogue River
• Acreage: 13,090
• Cause: Human-caused
• Began: July 10
• Containment: 5%
• Closures: Several roads are closed, including the Tiller-Trail Highway and parts of East Evans Creek Road.
• Evacuations: Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations are in place, with some Level 1 areas in Douglas County. An interactive map of evacuation zones is available.
• More Info: Visit the East Evans Creek Fire entry on InciWeb for more information.

Umatilla County

Hagen Fire

• Location: South of Bingham Road
• Acreage: Unknown
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: July 17
• Containment: 0%
• Closures: None
• Evacuations: Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations are in place. Updates can be found on the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, along with an interactive map.

Wheeler County

Rowe Complex (Camel Hump, Crosswhite, and Redrock Fires)

• Location: East, north, and west of Twickenham, along the John Day River
• Acreage: 15,000+
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: July 15
• Containment: None
• Closures: The Bureau of Land Management plans to close all public land along both sides of the John Day River from Service Creek north to the Columbia River.
• Evacuations: Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations are in effect. An interactive map is available.
• More Info: Visit the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office for evacuation information and their interactive map. Residents can also receive updates through Genasys Protect.

Cove Creek Fire

• Location: 1 mile east of John Day Fossil Beds
• Acreage: 1,000–2,000 acres
• Cause: Under investigation
• Began: July 16
• Containment: None
• Closures: The Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is closed. A portion of Highway 218 between Clarno and Fossil is also closed.
• Evacuations: Level 3 evacuations are in place. An interactive map is available.
• More Info: Visit the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office for more details, including their interactive map. Updates can also be accessed via Genasys Protect or Arcgis.

Understanding Evacuation Levels

Here is what each level of evacuation notice means:

• Level 1 Notice – Be Ready:
  Residents should stay aware of the danger in their area and monitor local media for updates. Those with special needs should begin making arrangements to evacuate. At this stage, evacuations are voluntary.

• Level 2 Notice – Be Set:
  This level indicates significant danger to your area. Residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside the affected area, or if staying, be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee timely notification if conditions change rapidly.

• Level 3 Notice – Go Now:
  Danger is current or imminent, and residents should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may come by to provide further instructions.