Hagen Fire Evacuations Lifted as Containment Reaches 87 Percent in Northeastern Oregon

All evacuation orders associated with the Hagen Fire in Umatilla and Union counties — as well as on lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation — have been lifted, fire officials announced Saturday, September 19. The decision marks a major milestone for communities that had been under evacuation restrictions for weeks as the fire burned across the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon.

Fire Overview

The Hagen Fire has burned 61,382 acres in the Blue Mountains region of Umatilla and Union counties. As of the September 19 update, firefighters had achieved 87 percent containment on the blaze. Officials attributed the improved situation to a combination of more favorable weather conditions and extensive work by 567 personnel assigned to the incident.

Remaining Hazards

Despite the lifted evacuation orders, fire officials strongly cautioned that safety risks remain throughout the burned area. Residents and visitors returning to properties in the affected zone should be aware of:

Weakened trees — Fire-killed snags can fall without warning, especially during wind events
Rolling rocks — Burned slopes may be unstable, with rocks loosened by the loss of root systems
Pockets of heat — Underground roots and buried debris can smolder for days or weeks after the fire front has passed
Heavy machinery — Fire suppression equipment continues to operate throughout the area

Forest Closure Remains in Effect

While civilian evacuations have been lifted, the Umatilla National Forest has updated its emergency closure area, which remains in effect through October 1, 2026. Closed areas include:

North Fork Umatilla Wilderness
Umatilla Forks Campground
Several nearby trailheads

Hikers, campers, and recreationists planning to use the Umatilla National Forest should check the agency's website for the most current closure information before heading out.

Tribal Lands Impact

The Hagen Fire's footprint extended onto lands managed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Tribal officials worked alongside federal and state agencies throughout the incident, and evacuation orders on tribal lands have also been fully lifted. Tribal communities affected by the fire face not only property and infrastructure losses but also cultural and natural resource impacts that will require long-term recovery efforts.

The Road to Full Containment

With 87 percent containment achieved and weather conditions improving, crews are now focused on mop-up operations and perimeter strengthening as they push toward 100 percent containment. Cooler fall temperatures and some rainfall in the forecast are expected to assist containment efforts in the Blue Mountains region. Full suppression repair and rehabilitation work — including reseeding burned areas and addressing erosion risks — will continue well into the coming months.