Oregon wildfires shut I-84, trigger mass evacuations
PUBLISHED Jul 27, 2026, 12:41 PM ET
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Oregon is battling a widespread wildfire emergency after more than 100 lightning-sparked fires expanded rapidly on Monday, forcing full closure of a key stretch of Interstate 84 between Ontario and Baker City and prompting Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders for multiple communities. The Rowe Creek Complex Fire in central Oregon has grown to about 208,759 acres, with containment dropping to 31% amid strong winds and prolonged drought. The Akawa Butte Fire, over 27,000 acres and just 5% contained, is now the top-priority U.S. wildfire. Authorities have closed Bureau of Land Management lands along the John Day River and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Weekend Critical weather merges multiple wildfires
- Monday morning I-84 closed between Ontario, Baker City
- Monday morning Level 3 evacuations ordered for communities
- Monday Rowe Creek Complex reaches 208,759 acres
- Monday Rowe Creek containment falls to thirty-one percent
- Monday Akawa Butte Fire exceeds 27,000 acres
- Monday Akawa Butte named top national priority
- Monday John Day lands, fossil beds closed
News Intelligence
- Wildfires can affect air quality, even miles away. If you're in the region, keep windows and doors shut. Check local air quality reports. If you have respiratory issues, stay indoors. It's also a good time to review your emergency plan.
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