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.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.