The first significant wildfire disruptions of Oregon's 2026 fire season erupted in late May along the Columbia River corridor, serving as a stark early warning that this year's fire season is already underway in the Pacific Northwest.

Sherman County Fire Forces I-84 Closure

A fast-moving fire broke out Saturday afternoon near milepost 105 east of Biggs Junction in Sherman County, Oregon, quickly generating heavy smoke that drifted across Interstate 84 — one of the Northwest's most heavily traveled freight and travel corridors. Authorities temporarily shut down all lanes of the interstate as visibility dropped to dangerous levels. Multiple vehicle crashes were reported during the closure.

By Saturday evening, traffic along I-84 had reopened, but the incident left a lasting impression on motorists and fire managers alike. The fire moved rapidly through dry grass and brush, driven by gusty winds that are typical of the Columbia Gorge in late spring. The shutdown highlighted how quickly wildland fire conditions in the gorge can cascade into public safety emergencies affecting major infrastructure.

Country Meadows Fire in Benton County

Nearly simultaneously, on the Washington side of the Columbia River, firefighters battled the Country Meadows Fire in Benton County near Kennewick. The blaze scorched an estimated 250 acres of dry grasslands north of the river corridor before crews were able to work toward containment. The fire was reported burning out of control during afternoon hours as flames moved rapidly through cured grass fuels driven by shifting winds.

Columbia Hills Brush Fires and Evacuations

Additional brush fires were reported near Dallesport and Columbia Hills State Park on the Washington side of the Gorge, prompting evacuation notices for portions of Horsethief Park. Emergency responders requested public cooperation throughout the incident, warning travelers and drone operators to stay clear of active firefighting zones. The presence of multiple simultaneous fires stretched regional fire resources and required coordination across state lines.

A Familiar — and Earlier — Threat

The gorge fires carried uncomfortable echoes for Oregonians who lived through previous fire seasons that transformed the Columbia Gorge into a smoke-filled emergency corridor. While the late May incidents remained relatively limited in size compared to historic summer wildfires, the timing itself is what stands out to fire officials.

State and federal wildfire agencies have noted that warmer and drier-than-normal conditions have left grasses, brush, and forest fuels unusually ready to burn this early in the year. Residents in Sherman County, Wasco County, Benton County, and Klickitat County are urged to monitor local emergency management communications and know their evacuation routes.

  • Monitor Oregon emergency alerts: OregonAlerts.gov
  • Monitor Washington emergency alerts: WA-Alert.com
  • Check road conditions: 511.oregon.gov and wsdot.wa.gov/travel