Hagen and Paradise wildfires trigger evacuations and road closures

The Hagen and Paradise wildfires are causing significant disruptions in Oregon, leading to increased evacuation levels and road closures. The Hagen Fire has reached Highway 204, resulting in the closure of the highway between Weston and Elgin from milepost 0 to 39 to ensure public and firefighter safety.

In Umatilla County, evacuation levels have been elevated. Level 3 ‘Go Now’ orders are in effect for areas north and south of Highway 204 between Bob White Lane and Lincton Mountain Road, including the North Fork of the Umatilla and several surrounding locations. Level 2 ‘Be Ready’ orders have also been issued for areas north and south of Highway 204 between milepost 9.5 and Bob White Lane.

Evacuation levels in Union County remain unchanged. Meanwhile, the Paradise Fire continues to burn, with the fire crossing Mill Creek in the upper drainage, though it currently poses no immediate threat to infrastructure. Firefighters are utilizing both direct and indirect suppression tactics, including strategic defensive burns, to manage the blaze.