As large fires simultaneously burn across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, a massive coordinated mobilization of firefighting resources is underway — from National Guard aircraft to Incident Management Teams, engine crews, and air tankers drawn from across the country.

East Evans Creek: 1,200 Firefighters on One Fire

The East Evans Creek Fire north of Medford, Oregon has attracted one of the largest single-incident resource deployments in the state this season. As of July 15, approximately 1,200 firefighting personnel are assigned to the incident, supported by a full base camp with showers, laundry, kitchen facilities, and air-conditioned trailers to support firefighters working in extreme summer heat. The Oregon Department of Forestry is leading the response with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service and cooperating agencies.

Northeast Oregon Fires: 900+ Personnel, Dozens of Engines

Across Grant and Baker counties, the combined response to the Salmon and Olive Butte fires involves more than 900 personnel, 56 engines, and 23 water tenders. An additional 512 personnel are assigned to the broader northeast Oregon complex, including the Anthony Fire near Baker City. The large resource commitment reflects the challenging terrain, unpredictable winds, and proximity of rural communities to the fire perimeters.

Idaho: Army Corps of Engineers Assists Claremont Fire

The Claremont Fire in the Boise foothills has presented an unusual suppression challenge: the presence of unexploded ordnance in the fire area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been engaged to identify and clear unexploded munitions in certain sectors, with strict safety protocols in place for all fire crews operating nearby. This unusual complication has slowed containment work in some areas, but firefighters are maintaining focus on protecting structures and building containment lines. Full containment is expected around August 1.

Wyoming Air National Guard MAFFS Deployment

The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing was activated July 14 to provide Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) support to western wildfire operations. MAFFS units are integrated into Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and can deliver approximately 3,000 gallons of retardant or suppressant per drop. The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group authorized the activation as National Preparedness Level 4 demand stretched civilian air tanker capacity.

Air Resources: Tankers and Helicopters

Multiple air tankers and helicopters are active across PNW incidents. Smoke conditions have periodically grounded aircraft — as occurred Tuesday during the East Evans Creek Fire's most intense growth period — creating windows when crews must operate without aerial support. Airtanker bases in Redmond, Oregon and Wenatchee, Washington have been operating at high tempo, with aircraft rotating between PNW incidents and supporting fires in California and Colorado.

Incident Management Teams

Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are managing the major incidents across the region. These experienced teams handle all aspects of a large fire operation, including logistics, air operations, finance, safety, and public information. As the national fire situation at PL 4 creates competition for these finite teams, the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC) works daily to ensure team assignments match the highest-priority incidents.

Mutual Aid and Interstate Cooperation

State agencies in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are drawing on Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) resources and Western Forestry Leadership Coalition mutual aid frameworks to bolster local capacity. Resources are moving across state lines as needed, reflecting the cooperative nature of western wildland fire management under pressure.