Evacuation Orders in Effect Across Oregon as Paradise, Hagen, and Big Grass Fires Threaten Communities

Multiple evacuation orders remain active across Oregon as of August 23, 2026, with communities in Umatilla, Malheur, and surrounding counties facing ongoing wildfire threats. Residents in affected areas are urged to heed evacuation orders immediately and not wait for conditions to worsen before leaving.

Paradise Fire — Umatilla County (Level 3)

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for the Mill Creek Watershed area due to the Paradise Fire. The evacuation zone encompasses the area east of the intersection of Mill Creek Road and Tiger Canyon Road, north to the Washington State Line, and south to include Tiger Canyon Road and NF65, including the Intake Trail for the Mill Creek Watershed, north of the Mill Creek River Corridor, and west of the Paradise Fire boundary.

As of August 19, the Paradise Fire had burned approximately 5,195 acres and was at zero percent containment. The fire's rapid growth in dry, grassy terrain triggered urgent evacuation orders for residents and ranchers in the remote canyon country north of Pendleton.

Hagen Fire — Umatilla County/National Forest

The Hagen Fire, burning 26 miles east of Pendleton, has scorched 56,419 acres and remains only 14% contained. The blaze had previously forced the closure of Oregon Highway 204 between Elgin and Weston, though that highway has since been reopened by the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office. Closures at the Umatilla National Forest remain in effect.

Big Grass Fire — Owyhee County, Idaho (Level 3 and Level 2)

Evacuation orders issued by the Owyhee County Sheriff in connection with the Big Grass Fire remain in effect. Level 3 "Go Now" orders apply to a large swath of rangeland south of Jordan Valley, Idaho, extending to the Nevada and Oregon borders. Level 2 "Be Set" orders cover additional surrounding areas.

Approximately 159 individuals have been displaced by the Big Grass Fire. Ranchers and rural property owners in the affected zones have also been advised to move livestock to safe locations.

Grasshopper Fire — Mt. Hood Corridor (Level 1 Lifted)

In a positive development, the Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation order for the Mt. Hood corridor — issued due to the Grasshopper Fire — was lifted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. The area had spanned from Rhododendron east through Government Camp, extending north to the Hood River County line and east to the Wasco County line. The Grasshopper Fire has now reached 61% containment after burning more than 90,000 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

How to Stay Informed

Oregon residents can find evacuation zone information and maps through the Oregon State Fire Marshal's interactive dashboard at osfminfo.org. County sheriff's offices across eastern Oregon are posting real-time updates on their official Facebook and social media pages. Sign up for emergency alerts through your county's Nixle or similar alert system to receive notifications directly to your phone.