Oregon wildfires blaze across thousands of acres, forcing evacuations and limiting air support

Thick smoke from simultaneous blazes in northeastern Oregon has hampered aerial firefighting as more than 1,400 personnel battle the lightning‑ sparked Salmon and Olive Butte Fires. The two fires have together burned about 4,242 acres and remain roughly 15% contained, with helicopters forced to pause water drops and crews deploying infrared‑equipped drones to locate hot spots. Evacuation orders stay in place for the communities of Granite and Greenhorn while protection of structures and historic sites continues.

Further east, the Powder River Fire in Baker County has scorched roughly 18,245 acres and is 25% contained. Improved visibility allowed single‑engine tankers and a heavy helicopter to resume drops, supporting ground crews building control lines. A Level 3 evacuation remains for areas south and west of Richland, and the fire has strained local ranchers, destroying forage and likely driving up hay prices amid ongoing drought conditions.