Hagen Fire containment reaches 87 percent as evacuations are lifted

Evacuation orders have been lifted for all areas affected by the Hagen Fire in Umatilla and Union counties, as well as on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Fire officials announced that containment for the 61,382-acre blaze has reached 87 percent, aided by improving weather conditions and the efforts of 567 personnel.

While evacuations are no longer in effect, the Umatilla National Forest has maintained an emergency closure area through October 1. This closure includes the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, Umatilla Forks Campground, and several trailheads. Officials emphasized that lifting evacuation orders does not mean public lands are reopened. Hazards such as weakened trees, rolling rocks, and pockets of heat remain in burned areas.

Firefighting crews are currently focused on soil stabilization, repairing culverts to prevent erosion, and addressing disturbances caused by fire line construction. Recent rain has made some roads too soft for heavy machinery, requiring careful assessment of access routes. Forecasts indicate fair weather with light winds, and no further fire spread is expected.