Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of Wednesday, July 16, for the Lower Dry Creek Fire burning in Umatilla County — marking the third time the act has been invoked in Oregon in 2026. The fire had grown to approximately 15,878 acres with no containment reported as of Thursday morning.

What the Emergency Conflagration Act Does

The Emergency Conflagration Act allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize statewide firefighting resources when a wildfire has grown beyond the capacity of local response. When invoked, the state can deploy fire departments and resources from across Oregon under unified command. The act was also invoked earlier this season for other significant Oregon fire incidents.

Fire Details

The Lower Dry Creek Fire is burning in Umatilla County in northeastern Oregon, a region of dry grasslands, shrub-steppe, and timber fuels that is particularly susceptible to rapid fire spread. The fire was one of many new ignitions resulting from the dry lightning event that swept the Pacific Northwest between July 14–16, 2026.

As of Thursday, July 17, the fire had grown to approximately 15,878 acres. More than 1,650 residents have been placed under Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders, meaning immediate departure is required. Additional residents in the surrounding area remain under Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation notices.

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Lower Dry Creek Fire — the first FMAG issued for an Oregon wildfire in 2026. The grant will reimburse the state for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs, which can include personnel, equipment, and supplies used in suppression operations.

FMAG approval signals the federal government's recognition that the fire poses a significant threat to life, property, and resources and that state firefighting costs will be substantial.

Evacuation Guidance

Residents under Level 3 orders in Umatilla County should leave immediately and not wait for further notice. Those under Level 2 should be packed and ready to depart at a moment's notice. Residents under Level 1 should prepare go-bags, make arrangements for livestock and pets, and monitor official channels closely.

  • Umatilla County Emergency Management: umatillacountyor.gov
  • Oregon Office of Emergency Management: oregon.gov/oem
  • Red Cross shelter information: 1-800-RED-CROSS

Other Active Oregon Evacuation Zones

In addition to the Lower Dry Creek Fire, evacuation orders at various levels are also in effect for the East Evans Creek Fire (Jackson County), the Salmon Fire, and the Crosswhite Fire in Wheeler County. Residents across eastern and southern Oregon are urged to stay informed and be prepared to act quickly as fire conditions remain extreme and dynamic.