Evacuation orders at multiple levels are in effect across the Pacific Northwest as wildfires continue to spread rapidly in hot, dry, and windy conditions. Residents in Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, and Umatilla counties in Oregon — along with Okanogan and Ferry counties in Washington — face mandatory evacuation orders as fire behavior remains unpredictable and fast-moving.
Jefferson County, Oregon — Akawa Butte Fire
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are active in Jefferson County for the following zones tied to the Akawa Butte Fire: Akawa Butte Fire L3, LBC 6 White-N, LBC Public Lands 3, LBCPL 2, and LBCPL-E. The fire has grown to 10,326 acres — an increase of 3,470 acres in a single 24-hour period ending July 20. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office also issued Level 3 orders for public areas including the southern portions of Lake Billy Chinook, a popular Central Oregon recreation destination.
Level 2 "Get Ready" and Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are also active in portions of Deschutes and Crook counties. Evacuation zones SIS-011 and SIS-012 in Deschutes County are under Level 3 orders.
Central Oregon — Brewer and Box Springs Fires
Wildland and structural firefighters are engaged in active structure protection along SE Grizzly Road and in the Lofton Creek, Turner Creek Road, McKay, and Allen Creek areas as the Brewer and Box Springs fires continue to burn. Overnight crews focused on perimeter areas closest to residential structures. Residents in affected areas should be prepared to leave immediately if evacuation levels are upgraded.
Central Oregon Fire Information advises residents to text COFIRE to 888-777 to receive real-time text alerts for wildfire and prescribed fire activity in the area.
Umatilla County, Oregon — Hagen Fire
Umatilla County upgraded Hagen Fire evacuation levels following rapid fire growth. The fire is burning approximately 9 miles southeast of Athena and reached 5,685 acres with 0 percent containment as of July 21. Governor Tina Kotek invoked Oregon's Emergency Conflagration Act for the Hagen Fire on July 22, signaling the severity of the threat. A unified command structure is being established with posts in Walla Walla and closer to the fire front, where additional resources from multiple agencies are staging.
Okanogan County, Washington — Kaiser Canyon Fire
Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are in effect for Kartar Road, Coyote Creek Road, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 54, threatened by the Kaiser Canyon Fire. Level 2 "Get Ready" evacuation notices cover Highway 155 from the town of Nespelem to Columbia River Road. Red Cross shelters are open at Coulee Dam High School Gym, Lake Roosevelt Gym, Omak Community Center, and Omak Long House.
Ferry County, Washington — Modrite Fire
The Modrite Fire has prompted Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders for Wilmont Creek Road from Silver Creek to Rodgers Bar. Silver Creek Road is closed between Four Corners and Kewa Road. An evacuation shelter is available at Kettle Falls Middle School (101 W. 11th Avenue).
Understanding Oregon's Evacuation Levels
- Level 1 — Ready: Be aware and prepare. Review your evacuation routes, gather important documents, medications, supplies, and make arrangements for pets and livestock.
- Level 2 — Set: Be ready to leave on short notice. Load your vehicle and be prepared to depart within minutes if the order is upgraded.
- Level 3 — Go: Leave immediately. Do not wait for official notice to come to your door. Take your emergency kit, pets, and irreplaceable items — and go now.
Residents should monitor their county sheriff's social media pages and sign up for county emergency notification systems. Never return to a Level 3 evacuation zone without official clearance from local authorities, even if your home appears undamaged. Conditions can change rapidly and re-entry before it is safe risks lives.