The North Cayuse Fire, burning in brushy and timbered terrain approximately 15 miles east of Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon, has reached an estimated 2,300 acres and is only 12% contained as of July 8, 2026. The fire is being managed by Oregon's Northwest Team 3 (a Complex Incident Management Team) under the Oregon Department of Forestry, and is exhibiting active behavior that has endangered residences and prompted community evacuations.

Evacuations Near Mission and Umatilla Reservation

The fire prompted Level 3 Go Now evacuations in the area around Mission, Oregon, including the Buckaroo area on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). The CTUIR announced the evacuation on its social media channels as the fire moved toward tribal lands and nearby rural residences.

Evacuation levels have since been adjusted as fire crews established lines, with a Level 1 (Be Ready) notice remaining in place for portions of Umatilla County as of July 6. Residents in affected zones are urged to maintain their readiness to leave on short notice.

Fire Behavior and Terrain

The North Cayuse Fire is burning in a mix of timber, brush, and grass along the Cayuse Road corridor east of Pendleton — terrain with steep slopes and sparse road access that complicates both suppression and evacuation logistics. Fire behavior has included isolated torching, active running, and backing, according to the NIFC Incident Management Situation Report for July 8.

As of Monday, July 7, approximately 236 personnel were assigned to the incident, including hand crews, engines, dozers, and overhead support.

Context: Oregon's Fire Burden

Oregon entered the 2026 fire season under above-normal risk outlooks for much of the state, particularly east of the Cascades. The National Weather Service office in Pendleton issued Red Flag Warnings for southern and eastern Oregon on July 6-7, citing dry and breezy to windy conditions capable of leading to critical fire weather. Minimum relative humidity values fell to 10-15% in some locations during the warning period.

The North Cayuse Fire is currently the only Oregon fire listed as a large fire in the national NIFC daily situation report, though the Oregon Department of Forestry is tracking multiple smaller incidents across the state.

Key Facts

  • Fire name: North Cayuse Fire
  • Location: 15 miles east of Pendleton, Umatilla County, OR
  • Size: Approximately 2,300 acres
  • Containment: 12%
  • Incident Management Team: NW Team 3 (CIMT)
  • Agency: Oregon Department of Forestry (Pendleton Unit)
  • Evacuations: Level 1 notices remain; check Umatilla County Emergency Management for updates

Residents in Umatilla County should monitor the Oregon Department of Forestry, Umatilla County Emergency Management, and CTUIR communications for the latest on evacuation statuses and road closures.