Evacuation Orders in Effect Across Oregon and Idaho as Wildfires Force Thousands to Flee

Evacuation orders and warnings are active across wide swaths of Oregon and Idaho as multiple wildfires force residents to flee their homes. Officials are urging residents to know their evacuation zone level and have a go-bag ready at all times during this volatile period.

Oregon: Three Counties Under Evacuation Orders

In southern Oregon, the East Evans Creek Fire burning north of Medford has triggered multi-level evacuation orders across Jackson County. Residents in the most affected zones are under Level 3 "Go Now" orders and should not delay departure. Jackson County Sheriff's Office is actively managing roadblocks and re-entry checkpoints.

In northeast Oregon, the Salmon Fire, Olive Butte Fire, and Anthony Fire have collectively prompted evacuation orders across Baker and Union counties. The Anthony Fire in the Elkhorn Mountains foothills has been especially concerning for communities north of Baker City. Overnight showers provided brief relief but did not extinguish active fire behavior.

Oregon Evacuation Level Summary

Level 3 (Go Now): Portions of Jackson County along East Evans Creek Road; parts of Baker County near the Anthony Fire
Level 2 (Be Set): Multiple zones in Jackson, Baker, and Union counties — be prepared to leave on short notice
Level 1 (Be Ready): Extended perimeter zones in all three counties — monitor alerts closely

Idaho: Claremont Fire Near Boise Foothills

The Claremont Fire, which ignited July 6 in the Boise foothills, has burned approximately 6,805 acres. As of July 13, 355 firefighters are assigned with full containment expected by approximately August 1. The cause remains under investigation but is believed to be human-caused.

Boise County previously issued Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders for the Rocky Canyon area (Zone RC-06), with RC-01, RC-02, and RC-04 at Level 2. The Army Corps of Engineers has been involved to help identify and clear unexploded ordnance in the fire area, an unusual complication slowing containment efforts in certain sectors.

Washington: Plum Fire Threatens Homes in Lincoln County

A new 150-acre wildfire dubbed the Plum Fire sparked Wednesday afternoon in Lincoln County near Grand Coulee. State fire mobilization was authorized as the fire threatened homes and power lines. The blaze burns in wheatgrass and sagebrush, and while no evacuation orders are currently in effect, residents in the area should monitor the situation closely. The cause is under investigation.

What to Do If You're in an Evacuation Zone

Level 3: Leave immediately — do not wait for further instructions
Level 2: Prepare to leave, pack valuables, medications, and documents; be ready to go at a moment's notice
Level 1: Be aware, monitor local alerts and emergency management communications