Wallowa County Oregon Wildfire Expands to Over 1,490 Acres

A lightning strike ignited the Burnt Creek Fire east of Highway 3 near the Day Ridge intersection in Wallowa County, Oregon. As of July 20 the fire had burned approximately 1,495 acres and remained at zero percent containment. Firefighters are deploying air tankers to drop retardant and to refill at Wallowa Lake, while an air‑quality advisory has been issued for nine surrounding counties due to smoke from multiple regional fires.

The Wallowa County government has organized a volunteer assistance network, inviting residents to offer resources such as livestock trailers, vehicles, barn space, and equipment to help families, farms, or ranches if evacuation or support becomes necessary. No evacuation orders have been issued, and officials advise the public to monitor smoke conditions and follow health recommendations.

Residents, especially those with infants, the elderly, or pre‑existing heart or lung conditions, are urged to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use air‑purifying filters while the smoke persists.