Go Now Orders Expanded: Austin Fire Forces Clackamas County Evacuations; Avery Fire Triggers Columbia Gorge Departures

Residents in two corners of the Pacific Northwest are navigating active evacuation orders this weekend as fast-moving wildfires threaten communities and critical transportation corridors. The Austin Fire in Clackamas County, Oregon and the Avery Fire in Klickitat County, Washington represent the most active evacuation situations in the region as of August 30, 2026.

Austin Fire: Level 3 Orders Remain Near Estacada

The Austin Fire, burning approximately 25 miles southeast of Estacada in the Mt. Hood National Forest's Clackamas River Ranger District, ignited on August 9 and has grown to 10,045 acres with 0% containment. The fire is burning in dense timber and understory in rugged terrain that has severely complicated firefighting operations.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for areas in and around the fire's perimeter, including wilderness and recreation areas. A fire closure is in place surrounding the Austin and nearby Mitchell Fires, updated August 20. Highway 224 remains closed due to the combined threat of the Austin Fire and the adjacent Narrows Fire (287 acres, 0% contained, 15 miles southeast of Estacada), with no detour available.

Firefighters are described as making "steady progress" in building preliminary containment lines, and officials note that cooler weather earlier in the week provided some relief. However, with 0% containment and critical weather conditions expected to return, residents in affected areas are strongly encouraged not to return until official orders are lifted.

Avery Fire: Evacuations Issued, Then Partially Reduced

In Washington's Columbia River Gorge, the Avery Fire ignited just south of State Route 14 and west of the Avery Recreation Area in Klickitat County. On August 26, Level 2 ("Be Ready") evacuation orders for the Wishram Heights area were upgraded to Level 3 "Go Now" orders as the fire expanded. The fire also prompted the closure of 11 miles of Highway 14 near Dallesport, with no detour available — cutting off a key Columbia Gorge corridor.

The Avery Fire burned approximately 300 acres before firefighters were able to slow its progression. Evacuation orders have since been partially reduced, and State Route 14 has reopened. Wishram School closed temporarily during the height of the emergency. Residents are encouraged to check with the Klickitat County Emergency Management office for the latest on access restrictions and remaining evacuation levels.

Baker County Evacuations Following Lightning Siege

Baker County in northeast Oregon also saw evacuation orders issued following an intense period of lightning activity in late August. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest's firefighters responded to 16 separate fires in a single day as dry thunderstorms moved through the region. Evacuation orders were issued through the Baker County Sheriff's Office for areas threatened by the McCully Fire (8,872 acres, 0% contained, 22 miles northwest of Baker City) and related new starts.

Hagen Fire Evacuation Levels Reduced

In a positive development for northeast Oregon, the Umatilla National Forest announced reductions in evacuation levels around the Hagen Fire following improvements in fire behavior and the partial lifting of the expanded emergency closure north of Highway 204. The closure south of Highway 204 and the Paradise Fire closure around the Mill Creek Watershed remain in place. Residents should verify their specific zone status before attempting to return.

How to Check Your Zone

Residents throughout Oregon and Washington can check their current evacuation zone status using the following resources:

Oregon: Oregon State Fire Marshal interactive map at osfminfo.org/maps
Washington: Washington DNR Wildfire Portal at dnr.wa.gov/wildfire
National incident information: InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov
Perimeter mapping: perimetermap.com