The North Cayuse Fire, burning in the Blue Mountains east of Mission and Pendleton, Oregon, has grown to an estimated 2,300 to 2,500 acres and prompted serious evacuation orders on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). The fire broke out over the Fourth of July weekend and has been exhibiting active and aggressive behavior in timber, brush, and grass fuels.

Fire Behavior and Location

The North Cayuse Fire is located approximately 15 miles east of Pendleton in the Pendleton Unit of the Oregon Department of Forestry. According to the National Interagency Fire Center's Incident Management Situation Report dated July 5, the fire was burning with "active fire behavior with running, flanking and backing" in timber, brush, and grass. Residences were threatened and road closures were in effect.

By Sunday, July 5, the CTUIR reported in an update that the fire had advanced to the Buckaroo and Stagecoach areas and followed the ridge toward Iskuulpa, with a small portion burned on the west side of the ridge. Crews were working Sunday to prevent the fire from reaching the east side of the ridge and from spreading into Bachelor Canyon, as well as stopping further southward spread.

Evacuations

The CTUIR announced Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for the area around the Buckaroo area during the height of the fire's run. As of Sunday morning, evacuation levels had been reduced, with a Level 1 "Be Ready" advisory remaining in effect for the immediate area surrounding the fire. Residents in Level 1 zones should gather essential documents, medications, and supplies and be prepared to leave on short notice.

Evacuation level definitions for Oregon:

  • Level 1 – Be Ready: Be aware and prepare to leave. Monitor information sources and be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.
  • Level 2 – Be Set: Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Have go-bags packed and be ready to leave quickly.
  • Level 3 – Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait to gather belongings. Life safety is the immediate priority.

Agency Response

The fire is being managed by Oregon DOF's Pendleton Unit. The NIFC listed the North Cayuse Fire at 500 acres with 8 percent containment in its July 5 morning report — likely reflecting an earlier estimate before the fire's latest expansion. The CTUIR's Sunday update reporting 2,300 to 2,500 acres indicates significant growth since the NIFC snapshot was taken.

Road closures are in place in the area. Residents and travelers should check Oregon DOT and local emergency management sources for the latest road closure information.

Smoke Impact

Smoke from the North Cayuse Fire has been visible across the Columbia Basin and is contributing to degraded air quality in the Pendleton and Mission areas. Residents with respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and others sensitive to smoke should limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed. Monitor fire.airnow.gov for current air quality index values in your area.

Updates from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon DOF, and Umatilla County Emergency Management are the best sources for current evacuation status and fire information.