Evacuation orders remain in effect across multiple Pacific Northwest counties this weekend as new and ongoing wildfires keep thousands of residents on alert. The situation is most urgent in Klickitat County, Washington, where a rapidly developing fire prompted immediate evacuation orders late Wednesday.

Avery Park Fire — Klickitat County, Washington

The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office escalated evacuation orders on the evening of August 26 as the Avery Park Fire pushed toward the Wishram Heights community along Highway 14 in the Columbia River Gorge area.

Current evacuation levels as of August 29:

  • Level 3 (Go Now) — Wishram Heights area and areas near Avery Park. Leave immediately.
  • Level 2 (Get Set) — Surrounding areas of Wishram Heights. Be prepared to leave on short notice.
  • Level 1 (Get Ready) — In and around Wishram. Be aware and ready to act.

Residents evacuating Wishram Heights were directed to travel east on Highway 14, as westbound travel is dangerous due to smoke, active fire, and first responders working on the roadway. Emergency officials established a temporary evacuation shelter for displaced residents.

Those seeking the most current evacuation maps can visit the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office social media channels or the SarTopo evacuation map at sartopo.com/m/NCF1MK5.

Baker County, Oregon — McCully Fire Evacuations

In Baker County, Oregon, evacuation orders tied to the McCully Fire remain active across multiple zones. The fire, burning in the Elkhorn Ridge area of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest about 22 miles southwest of Baker City, has grown to 5,971 acres with zero containment as of August 29.

The Baker County Sheriff's Office and Grant County Sheriff's Office have issued all three evacuation levels in affected areas. Residents should check the Baker County Sheriff's Office official social media pages and the Oregon State Fire Marshal's interactive map at osfminfo.org/maps/ for the most current zone information.

Understanding Oregon's Three-Level Evacuation System

Oregon and Washington both use a standardized three-level evacuation notification system:

  • Level 1 — Get Ready: Be aware of the danger and prepare to leave. Monitor news, charge devices, gather pets and medications.
  • Level 2 — Get Set: Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Those with mobility challenges or livestock should consider leaving now.
  • Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait for additional instructions. Remaining in a Level 3 area puts your life at risk.

Staying Informed

With fire behavior remaining unpredictable across the region, emergency managers urge all residents in fire-prone areas to:

  • Sign up for county emergency alert systems (Klickitat County: AlertSense; Baker County: Oregon Alert)
  • Monitor the Oregon State Fire Marshal's map at osfminfo.org/maps/
  • Follow your county sheriff's office on social media for real-time updates
  • Have a 72-hour go-bag packed and an evacuation route planned

Do not return to evacuated areas until the appropriate authority officially lifts evacuation orders. Even after Level 3 orders are downgraded, returning too early can be dangerous due to compromised structures, live power lines, and smoldering hotspots.