Oregon Wildfires Prompt Emergency Conflagration Act and Evacuations
Oregon Wildfires Prompt Emergency Conflagration Act and Evacuations
US · Published Jul 27, 2026
Wildfires continue to ravage Oregon, with the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for the Beachcomb, Bench, and Second Flat Fires. These fires, located in Warm Springs Reservation, Jefferson County, and Harney County, are the ninth and tenth instances of the act being used in
The Grasshopper Fire in Mount Hood National Forest has grown to 9,500 acres, while the Rowe Creek Complex has burned over 200,000 acres. Evacuation orders are in place across multiple counties, including Level 3 'Go Now' orders in Baker, Hood River, Wasco, Umatilla, and Union Counties. Firefighters are prioritizing containment efforts and protecting homes in high-risk areas. Cooler overnight temperatures are expected to aid firefighting efforts, but hot and dry conditions persist, increasing the risk of fire spread.

Impact & Risks

The wildfires have already scorched hundreds of thousands of acres, threatening homes and prompting widespread evacuations. The Grasshopper Fire poses a significant risk to communities in Pine Hollow and Sportsmans Park, while the Hagen Fire has led to increased evacuation levels in Umatilla and Union Counties. The Rowe Creek Complex continues to spread along Highway 26, affecting Wheeler and Wasco Counties. The fires are fueled by heavy timber, brush, and grass, with extreme fire behavior and wind-driven runs exacerbating the situation. Residents in affected areas face immediate threats to their safety and property.

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