Thousands of Pacific Northwest residents spent the days following the Fourth of July holiday under evacuation orders or warnings as two major wildfires — the Chelan Hills Fire in Washington and the North Cayuse Fire in Oregon — continued burning through the region's dry summer landscapes.

Chelan Hills Fire Evacuations — Douglas County, Washington

At the peak of the Chelan Hills Fire's explosive initial spread, approximately 500 residents were forced to flee their homes under Level 3 mandatory evacuation orders covering communities near Chelan Hills Acres Road, east of Lake Chelan. The fire destroyed more than 100 structures and claimed at least one life before firefighters established containment lines.

As of July 9, 2026, many Level 3 orders have been scaled back as the fire reached 50% containment. However, some evacuation zones remain active, and residents are urged to verify their specific zone status before attempting to return. U.S. Route 97, which was briefly impacted, has been reopened.

Current zone information is available through:

  • Douglas County Sheriff's Office official channels
  • Douglas County Emergency Management
  • Washington State Emergency Management Division

North Cayuse Fire Evacuations — Umatilla County, Oregon

On the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Level 3 mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the Buckaroo Lane area extending toward Iskuulpa Creek when the North Cayuse Fire ignited July 4 and began rapid spread. Multiple families on the reservation were displaced during the fire's most dangerous growth period.

By July 9, most Level 3 orders had been downgraded as containment crews halted forward spread. Level 1 readiness notices remain in effect for areas immediately surrounding the fire perimeter. The Nixyaawii Community School served as an official evacuation shelter, and the Pendleton Mustangers facility offered space for displaced horses and livestock.

Ongoing evacuation status can be confirmed through:

  • Umatilla County Emergency Management
  • Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) emergency communications
  • Oregon Department of Forestry fire updates

What Do the Levels Mean?

Washington and Oregon both use a three-level evacuation system. Understanding your level is critical during a wildfire emergency:

  • Level 1 — Be Ready: Be aware and have your go-bag ready. Gather essential items and prepare to leave on short notice.
  • Level 2 — Be Set: Prepare to leave immediately. Vulnerable individuals (elderly, those with mobility issues, livestock owners) should consider leaving now.
  • Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. There is immediate danger to life and safety. Do not delay to gather belongings.

Emergency Preparedness Reminders

Emergency managers across the Pacific Northwest urge all residents in fire-prone areas to maintain a go-bag with essential documents, medications, and supplies; have an evacuation plan and a designated meeting place; and sign up for their county's emergency alert system. Never ignore an evacuation order — fires can change direction rapidly and roads can become impassable within minutes.