The Austin Fire burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest in Clackamas County has reached 98% containment at 12,888 acres following recent precipitation over the fire area, federal fire officials report. The fire, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada, Oregon, was one of the more notable incidents in the western Cascades this season — a region that does not commonly experience large fires due to wetter conditions but that has grown increasingly vulnerable as summer droughts intensify.

Current Fire Status

  • Size: 12,888 acres
  • Containment: 98%
  • Location: Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, OR
  • Jurisdiction: U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
  • Closures: Forest area and road closures remain in effect in the immediate fire vicinity

Fire behavior is reported as moderate at this stage, characterized by smoldering, backing, and flanking. No active structures are threatened, and the primary work remaining is mop-up and patrol — the labor-intensive process of cooling and extinguishing all heat sources within and along the fire perimeter to prevent escapes during future wind events.

Area Closures

The Mt. Hood National Forest has maintained road and area closures in the immediate vicinity of the Austin Fire to protect public safety and allow fire crews to work without vehicle traffic hazards. Specific roads and recreation areas remain off-limits. Visitors planning to access the national forest in the Estacada and Timothy Lake corridor should check the Mt. Hood National Forest website and InciWeb for the current closure map before traveling.

Forest officials have not yet announced a timeline for full reopening, as road condition assessments and remaining mop-up work must be completed first. Some roads in the fire area may require repairs before they can safely accommodate public traffic.

How the Austin Fire Started and Spread

The Austin Fire ignited during a period of elevated fire weather conditions in the western Cascades, when low humidity and east wind events pushed fire danger to critical levels even in typically moister forest types. The Cascade foothills east and southeast of Portland saw multiple fire ignitions this season under those conditions, highlighting the expanding geographic footprint of significant fire risk in Oregon.

Community members south and east of Estacada who received evacuation warnings or notices during the height of the fire activity should continue to monitor Clackamas County Emergency Management and USFS communications for updates on re-entry and any remaining access restrictions in their areas.

Resources and Contact

For the latest on the Austin Fire, visit the InciWeb incident page or contact the Mt. Hood National Forest at (503) 668-1700. The Clackamas County Office of Emergency Management can be reached for questions about access and community re-entry procedures.