Two significant wildland fires are burning across northeastern Oregon as of July 12, 2026, straining resources and prompting evacuations and road closures in Umatilla and Baker counties.

North Cayuse Fire — Umatilla County

The North Cayuse Fire, burning six miles east of Mission and approximately 15 miles east of Pendleton, ignited on July 4, 2026, and has grown to nearly 4,900 acres. The fire is burning in timber, brush, and grass fuels on the Pendleton Unit of the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Northwest Coordination Center’s Type 3 Incident Management Team (NW Team 3) is managing suppression efforts. The fire has displayed moderate behavior including flanking, backing, and group torching, with active spread during afternoon heating. Residences and communication infrastructure are threatened in portions of the fire’s perimeter.

A Level 1 evacuation notice (Be Ready) remains in place for portions of Umatilla County near the fire. The National Weather Service in Pendleton issued a Red Flag Warning for the northwest portion of Umatilla County as hot, dry conditions persist. Area and road closures are in effect.

Firefighters have been focused on strengthening containment lines, mopping up hot spots, and positioning resources to respond to any new starts in the area. The Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team has also been involved in oversight of suppression operations, with NW Team 3 also managing the Anthony Fire.

Anthony Fire — Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Approximately 34 miles north of Baker City on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, the Anthony Fire sparked from a lightning strike on the evening of July 7, 2026, and burned into active fuels of heavy dead and down timber. The fire spread rapidly in gusty winds, exhibiting aggressive fire behavior including long-range spotting and group torching.

“The fire is burning actively in heavy dead and down fuels,” said Amy Franklin, public affairs officer for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, describing conditions early in the incident.

Residences and energy infrastructure are threatened by the fire’s spread. Road and area closures have been enacted, and Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort temporarily closed its weekend food services as a precaution. A formal fire closure order is in effect for the surrounding area of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Increased Fire Restrictions

In response to the ongoing threat, both the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur National Forests enacted increased public use restrictions effective July 10, 2026. The restrictions include limits on chainsaw use and other ignition sources in forest areas. Officials urge visitors to check current restrictions before entering either national forest and to fully comply with all closure orders.

What to Know

  • North Cayuse Fire: Level 1 evacuation notices active, check Umatilla County emergency management for updates.
  • Anthony Fire: Road and area closures in effect on the Wallowa-Whitman NF north of Baker City. Check InciWeb for the latest perimeter information.
  • Fire restrictions on Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur NFs are in effect as of July 10, 2026.
  • Hot, dry conditions and gusty afternoon winds are expected to continue through the week.