ENVIRONMENT

Oregon Wildfires Trigger Level 3 "Go Now" Evacuations as Blazes Consume Over 1.3 Million Acres

PUBLISHED Jul 29, 2026, 7:15 PM ET

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Wildfires have now burned over 1.3 million acres across Oregon, leading to multiple evacuations and road closures, according to KPTV. Officials have increased evacuation levels for the Hagen Fire, which is burning in Umatilla and Union counties. The Umatilla County Emergency Operation Center upgraded an area from Level 2 "Be Ready" to Level 3 "GO NOW," effective immediately. The Level 3 area, designated UMC-1406018-A, includes the area south of the National Forest 3719 Road east to the Umatilla County line. The Hagen Fire has grown to 31,862 acres and is only 3% contained. The fire is expanding to the south and east, with moderate spread to the west as the fire backs down a ridgeline. A burnout operation to improve fire lines and secure the west side of the Hagen Fire along Rattlesnake Ridge is planned. The Emergency Operation Center is being run by Umatilla County Emergency Management, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Emergency Management, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The center is working closely with the Northwest Incident Management Team 7 on the Hagen Fire. There are 939 personnel working out of bases in Walla Walla, Elgin and Athena. A new spike camp in Elgin is supporting over three hundred firefighters to advance fire lines being built to the south and east of the Hagen Fire. The Paradise Fire, about 10 miles southeast of Walla Walla, is 763 acres. The Horse Ridge Fire, about 5 miles northeast of Meacham, is 838 acres and 76% contained. The Oregon Department of Transportation is using pilot cars to guide traffic between Prineville and Mitchell on Highway 26. Highway 20 is now open between Burns and Vale following a closure due to a wildfire. Officials remind residents that due to the remote nature of these affected areas, residents must remain extremely vigilant and proactively monitor surrounding fire activity. Fire conditions can change rapidl

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

· On July 15, 2026, thunderstorms sparked the Lower Dry Creek Fire in Umatilla County.
· On July 19, 2026, the Hagen Fire was estimated at 100 acres.
· On July 21, 2026, Governor Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for Hagen Fire.
· On July 23, 2026, the Confederated Tribes declared a state of emergency.
· On July 24, 2026, the Hagen Fire had burned 8,620 acres.
· On July 27, 2026, the Hagen Fire reached 26,879 acres, growing over 10,000 acres.
· On July 28, 2026, the Hagen Fire grew to 29,967 acres, expanding south and east.
· On July 29, 2026, the Hagen Fire reached 31,862 acres and was 3% contained.
· On July 30, 2026, officials upgraded a Level 2 evacuation to Level 3 for Hagen Fire.
· Future forecasts expect another lightning round in northeastern Oregon Thursday afternoon.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Thousands evacuated, highways closed, air quality hazardous across Oregon.
Possible long-term US impact: Record wildfire season threatens federal resources and insurance markets.
Most affected groups: Rural Oregon residents, firefighters, farmers, and communities in Umatilla County.
Readers should prioritise: Monitor official evacuation alerts and verify information through local sheriff offices.

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