Baker County emergency managers have reduced evacuation levels around the Frontage Fire near Huntington, Oregon, after fire crews made progress on containment Sunday morning. The downgrade brings some relief to residents and campers who were displaced by the rapidly developing blaze Saturday night — but officials caution that the fire is not yet fully out, and dry conditions persist across the region.

Evacuation Level Timeline

The Baker County Sheriff's Office issued escalating evacuation notices beginning late Saturday, June 6:

  • Level 3 — Go Now: Initially issued for Farewell Bend State Park, approximately three miles southeast of Huntington. Campers at the park were ordered to evacuate immediately as the fire burned toward the park boundary.
  • Level 2 — Be Set: Issued for the southeast portion of Huntington, affecting residential areas on the town's eastern edge.
  • Level 1 — Be Ready: Issued for the broader Farewell Bend area, including commercial areas along Interstate 84.

By 9:20 a.m. Sunday, all zones had been reduced to Level 1. As of Monday morning, June 8, further reductions have been announced as mop-up operations continue and the fire's perimeter is better secured.

Farewell Bend State Park

Farewell Bend State Park bore the brunt of the evacuation activity. The park, situated along the Snake River approximately three miles southeast of Huntington, was under a Level 3 order at the height of the incident. Huntington Mayor Chuck Guerri noted the campground was approximately half full when the order was issued, and that the fire burned close to park boundaries without entering the park — a key difference from the 2024 Huntington Fire, which burned directly through the state park area.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department personnel were assessing conditions at the park on Sunday morning. Campers with reservations should contact the park directly or check the OPRD website for updated reopening information before visiting.

I-84 Reopened

Interstate 84 between Baker City and Ontario, which had been temporarily closed by ODOT late Saturday due to fire activity near the highway corridor, reopened early Sunday morning. Travelers should exercise caution in the area and watch for fire equipment and personnel on roadways adjacent to the burn area. Highway 30 also saw closures when the fire crossed the roadway during peak activity.

Community Response

The community of Huntington mobilized quickly, with a group of volunteers using heavy equipment — including tractors and excavators — to cut a firebreak on the hill above Huntington School Saturday night, providing additional protection for the town. Mayor Guerri said the combination of that firebreak and the burned area around the town could create a meaningful buffer heading into the rest of fire season.

Residents returning to previously evacuated areas should check with the Baker County Sheriff's Office before re-entry and remain prepared for the possibility of upgraded evacuation levels should conditions change. Anyone in Baker County can sign up for emergency alerts through the Baker County Office of Emergency Management.