A significant wildfire burning on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in northeastern Oregon has charred nearly 5,000 acres since erupting on the Fourth of July, with a federal incident management team now coordinating a large suppression effort involving more than 500 personnel.

Incident Overview

The North Cayuse Fire ignited on Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the Umatilla Indian Reservation approximately six miles east of Mission and near Adams in Umatilla County, Oregon. The fire burned through grass, brush, and timber, initially exhibiting rapid growth fueled by dry summer fuels, high winds, and temperatures in the upper 90s. Flames spread rapidly into drainages including Iskuulpa Creek before firefighting efforts began to slow its advance.

As of the morning of July 9, 2026, the fire had burned 4,885 acres and reached 15% containment, with forward progression largely halted.

Federal Team Takes Command

The federal Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 (NWCIMT3) assumed command of the North Cayuse Fire at 7:00 a.m. on July 9, reflecting the scale and complexity of the incident. The transition to a Type 1 team signals a full suppression response with significant interagency coordination.

Resources Assigned

As of July 9, firefighting resources assigned to the North Cayuse Fire include:

  • 524 total personnel
  • 21 crews
  • 12 engines
  • 14 dozers
  • 8 water tenders
  • 3 helicopters

Firefighters are strengthening holding features, cold-trailing burned areas, and using infrared detection to identify and extinguish residual heat pockets. Aviation resources are dropping water on hot spots in Red Elk Canyon, while ground crews conduct mop-up along Buckaroo Creek and Iskuulpa Creek. Total firefighting costs to date are estimated at approximately $2 million.

Evacuations and Sheltering

Initial Level 3 mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the Buckaroo Lane area extending to Iskuulpa Creek. Those orders have been largely downgraded as containment increased. Level 1 readiness notices remain in effect for immediate areas surrounding the fire on the reservation.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) designated the Nixyaawii Community School as an evacuation shelter for displaced residents. The Pendleton Mustangers facility on Mission Highway opened to accommodate horses and livestock from the evacuation zone.

Road and Airspace Closures

  • McKay Reservoir is closed to the public to support aircraft scooping water for suppression operations
  • A 5-mile Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place around the fire perimeter
  • Drone flights near the fire are strictly prohibited and can ground aerial firefighting operations

Community Resources

Residents seeking information are encouraged to monitor the Oregon Department of Forestry fire update page, Umatilla County Emergency Management, and official CTUIR communications for the latest guidance on evacuation zones, road access, and shelter availability.