Multiple Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect across Oregon and Washington as of August 22, with thousands of residents displaced from their homes and communities near active fire lines. While some evacuation zones have been reduced as containment improves on several fires, fire officials caution that rapidly changing conditions could prompt new or expanded orders at any time.

Oregon Evacuations

Paradise Fire — Umatilla County / Milton-Freewater Area

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders along Mill Creek Road near the city of Milton-Freewater for the Paradise Fire, which is burning along the Oregon-Washington border. The Paradise Fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres and was at 0% containment as of August 20, making it one of the most volatile active incidents in the state. Residents in the affected area must leave immediately and not return until officials lift or downgrade the orders.

Austin Fire — Clackamas County

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations remain in place along Clackamas River Road, approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada. The Austin Fire has burned about 3,000 acres and is at 0% containment, with difficult terrain continuing to impede firefighting access. Crews are building containment lines connecting open meadows with old logging roads to gradually encircle the fire's perimeter.

Grasshopper Fire — Wasco, Hood River, and Clackamas Counties

The Grasshopper Fire, which has burned more than 90,000 acres in the Mount Hood area, remains under Level 3 evacuation orders in portions of Wasco and Hood River counties, particularly in the Badger Creek Wilderness and east toward the White River Wildlife Area. In a positive development, Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuations were lifted for the Mount Hood corridor from Rhododendron through Government Camp and surrounding areas of the Mount Hood National Forest, as the fire reached 66% containment. Officials emphasized that evacuations near active fire lines will remain in place to protect both residents and firefighting operations.

Big Grass Fire — Malheur County

Despite the Big Grass Fire reaching 85% containment, Level 3 evacuations remain south of Jordan Valley in Oregon as crews continue to address persistent heat pockets and ember cast from the fire's massive interior. Residents in the affected area of Malheur County should not return until official clearance is given.

Washington Evacuations

Earlier in August, the Kaiser Canyon Fire forced evacuations for the entire community of Nespelem on the Colville Indian Reservation. The fire, which has burned 138,296 acres, has reached 83% containment, and the immediate threat to Nespelem has been reduced. Washington's broader fire complex earlier prompted evacuations of approximately 65,000 Spokane-area residents due to the Autumn Lane and Old Trails fires, both of which are now near full containment.

How to Stay Informed

Evacuation levels in Oregon follow a three-tier system:

  • Level 1 — Be Ready: Be aware, prepare to leave, gather go-bags.
  • Level 2 — Be Set: Be ready to leave on short notice; vulnerable populations should consider leaving now.
  • Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait for officials to come to your door.

Oregonians can find current evacuation maps at the Oregon State Fire Marshal's dashboard at osfminfo.org/maps. Washington residents should monitor their county emergency management offices and the Washington DNR wildfire portal at dnr.wa.gov. All PNW residents in fire-prone areas are encouraged to sign up for Code Red and other local emergency notification systems now — before a fire threatens.