Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect across multiple counties in Oregon and Washington as wildfires continue to threaten homes, ranches, and critical roadways. Emergency managers are urging all residents to know their evacuation level and have go-bags ready as conditions can change within minutes.

Oregon Evacuations

Wasco and Clackamas Counties — Near Mount Hood

A wildfire east of Mount Hood grew rapidly on the night of August 11, prompting fresh evacuation orders overnight and a road closure on Highway 35 the following morning. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office also issued evacuation orders for homes north of the intersection of Mt. Hood area roads as additional fire growth was reported. At least 6 houses burned in Wasco County as the fire moved through the area.

Oregon’s three-tiered evacuation level system is in use across all affected jurisdictions:

  • Level 1 (Ready): Be aware and prepared; gather belongings and important documents
  • Level 2 (Set): Be ready to leave immediately; those with mobility challenges should leave now
  • Level 3 (Go!): Leave immediately — do not wait for additional notice

Umatilla County — Hagen Fire

The Hagen Fire crossed to the north side of the North Fork Umatilla River, triggering a rise in evacuation levels in Umatilla County and the closure of Highway 204. The fire has burned approximately 54,995 acres in the Umatilla National Forest region. The incident management team continues to work to keep the fire from spreading further into the populated valley below.

Klamath County — Wrights Spring Fire

The Wrights Spring Fire, burning in the Fremont-Winema National Forest approximately 6 miles east of Modoc Point along Upper Klamath Lake, also prompted evacuation orders in its early days and has now reached over 53,000 acres. The fire gained tragic national attention when Jason Ensign, 47, of Klamath Falls was killed on August 6 while operating a D-6 bulldozer constructing containment lines. Severe fire conditions trapped his equipment. Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags flown at half-staff on August 14 in his honor.

Washington Evacuations

In Washington, several communities in Okanogan County — including Nespelem and surrounding areas near the Colville Indian Reservation — were under evacuation orders as the Kaiser Canyon and Sinlahekin fires approached. The town of Nespelem was ordered to fully evacuate at the height of the Kaiser Canyon Fire’s explosive growth.

Residents in the Entiat River Valley and areas near the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County remain under varying levels of evacuation as that fire’s unpredictable behavior continues.

What to Do if You Receive an Evacuation Order

  • Leave immediately when Level 3 is issued — do not wait
  • Take pets, medications, important documents, and phone chargers
  • Close all windows and doors before leaving to slow fire entry
  • Notify family and friends of your destination
  • Do not return until authorities declare it safe

For up-to-date evacuation maps and information, visit your county’s emergency management website or InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Oregon residents can also use the state’s Ready.Oregon.gov resource portal.