The Hagen Fire, burning in the Umatilla National Forest in northeastern Oregon, has grown to approximately 61,385 acres and reached 60% containment as of early September — a significant improvement over the fire's chaotic early weeks when it prompted urgent evacuation orders across the Tollgate community area.

Fire History and Growth

The Hagen Fire ignited in rugged, timbered terrain near the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and quickly spread under hot, dry, and windy conditions. At the height of the emergency, the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office issued urgent evacuation orders for the community of Tollgate and surrounding areas as the fire pushed through hilly terrain with erratic behavior.

Crews from multiple agencies — including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Oregon Department of Forestry — worked to establish and hold containment lines across the fire's perimeter. Rain and cooler temperatures in early September provided critical assistance, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting, allowing crews to reinforce lines and reduce the fire's active spread.

Current Operations

Heavy equipment operators are now the tip of the spear in Hagen Fire operations. Crews are focused on:

  • Suppression repair along impacted roads and drainages
  • Clearing drainage corridors to prevent erosion and post-fire flooding
  • Stabilizing access roads for long-term firefighting and rehabilitation access
  • Mopping up hot spots along the north, east, and south containment lines

The western zone of the fire's containment line has held firm, with priority now shifting to the remaining open portions of the perimeter where aerial and ground resources continue to work in coordination.

Evacuation Orders Scaled Back

As containment improved through the first week of September, Umatilla County officials reduced evacuation orders for some areas surrounding the fire. Residents returning to previously evacuated zones are advised to check with local emergency management before re-entry, as road damage, downed trees, and residual smoke remain hazards in the affected area.

Paradise Fire Also Active in Umatilla

A second fire, the Paradise Fire, is also burning in the Umatilla National Forest and is being managed jointly with the Hagen Fire. A shared fire information line (541-970-7128) is available for community members seeking updates on both incidents. InciWeb pages for both fires are being updated regularly.

Long-Term Rehabilitation Ahead

The area burned by the Hagen Fire — a mosaic of timber, brush, and grass — will require years of rehabilitation work. Burned area emergency response (BAER) teams are expected to assess the watershed for erosion risk, debris flow potential, and reseeding needs ahead of the fall and winter rainy season in the Blue Mountains.