ENVIRONMENT

Oregon town of Granite ordered evacuated as Olive Butte Fire advances

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Granite, a historic former gold-mining town in eastern Oregon with fewer than 100 residents, is under a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order as the Olive Butte Fire burns within half a mile of homes and other structures. As of Monday evening, July 13, 2026, the wildfire has burned 1,642 acres of timber and brush and remains at zero percent containment. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Sunday night, enabling the State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources statewide. Incident management teams and four structural protection task forces are working to defend residences and historic wooden buildings.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Early 2026 Oregon enters severe drought conditions
2026 fire season Elevated wildfire risk declared statewide
July 12, 2026 Governor invokes Emergency Conflagration Act
July 12, 2026 State Fire Marshal mobilizes structural resources
July 13, 2026 Olive Butte Fire reaches 1,642 acres
July 13, 2026 Granite placed under Level 3 evacuation
July 13, 2026 Incident teams establish unified command
July 13, 2026 Firefighters install sprinklers, clear vegetation

Why This Matters to You

The Olive Butte Fire threatens a piece of American history in Granite, Oregon. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, this is a reminder to review your evacuation plan. Check your emergency supplies and ensure you have a safe place to go.

The Bottom Line

Wildfires are unpredictable and can escalate quickly. The situation in Granite shows the importance of early preparation and swift action. Stay updated on local news for the latest developments. Worth forwarding if you know someone in a high-risk area.