Firefighters in Oregon and Idaho are making progress on fires that ignited earlier this week, though both incidents remain active and require continued vigilance. Oregon’s Old Emigrant Fire near Pendleton has reached 60% containment, while Idaho’s Gold Run Fire near Kellogg continues to challenge crews in steep terrain east of the Silver Valley.

Old Emigrant Fire — Umatilla County, Oregon

The Old Emigrant Fire ignited approximately eight miles east of Pendleton in Umatilla County during a period of red flag conditions and dry lightning activity across Central and Eastern Oregon. The fire burned through grass and brush in an area of mixed agricultural and wildland terrain, growing to an estimated 1,500 acres before crews began making meaningful progress.

As of June 19-20, the fire has reached 60% containment, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northeast Oregon District. Evacuation levels for Zone UMC 239 (north of I-84) have been reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready), signaling significantly improved conditions. Initial attack by ODF crews, assisted by National Forest and contract resources, has focused on securing the eastern and northern flanks of the fire.

The Cable Creek Fire, located eight miles east of Ukiah in the Pendleton Unit (Oregon), has reached 100% containment at 610 acres, offering some relief to ODF personnel and resources across the region. Those crews can now be redeployed to support other active incidents.

Gold Run Fire — Shoshone County, Idaho

The Gold Run Fire ignited June 16 in Shoshone County, Idaho, approximately eight miles east of Kellogg near Elizabeth Park and Big Creek. Started on Idaho Department of Lands jurisdiction during a period of high winds, the fire prompted evacuation orders for nearby residents in the Silver Valley area.

As of the NIFC Situation Report for June 19, the fire stands at approximately 300 acres with 20% containment. The steep, timbered terrain along the I-90 corridor east of Kellogg has complicated suppression efforts, requiring hand crews and aerial resources to access the fire’s active edges. Firefighters from the IDL and contract crews have been working to establish containment lines on the lower slopes.

  • Old Emigrant Fire (Umatilla County, OR): 1,500 acres, 60% contained, evacuations at Level 1
  • Cable Creek Fire (Grant County, OR): 610 acres, 100% contained
  • Gold Run Fire (Shoshone County, ID): 300 acres, 20% contained

Early Fire Season Across Oregon

The Oregon Department of Forestry officially declared the start of the 2026 fire season on June 15 — earlier than typical — citing dry conditions, below-normal snowpack in parts of the state, and elevated grass and brush fuel loads. Fire restrictions including bans on recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, and agricultural burning are now in effect across Central and Eastern Oregon districts and will remain through the summer months.

Residents across both Oregon and Idaho are urged to check with local county emergency management offices for the latest evacuation zone information and to monitor air quality conditions, which can change rapidly as fire behavior shifts.