Oregon Wildfires Prompt Air Quality Advisory and Forest Closures

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air‑quality advisory for 16 counties—including Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Malheur, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler—due to smoke from multiple wildfires in Oregon and Washington. The advisory, expected to last until at least Monday afternoon, also includes an ozone‑smog warning for the Portland metro area, Salem, and Hermiston. Residents are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and use air‑purifying filters.

The U.S. Forest Service announced that the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa‑Whitman National Forests have further reduced temporary closure areas around the Salmon and Olive Butte Fires, effective August 7, 2026, while a modified closure remains in place for public safety and firefighting operations. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office continues to issue evacuation updates, and travelers are warned of hazardous road conditions such as fallen trees and rocks.