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2 clusters · 4 sources · 14 days · First seen · Last updated

Wildfires in Baker County and Umatilla National Forest

Overview

The Baker County Board of Commissioners issued a local disaster declaration following multiple wildfires that caused economic damage to the timber, livestock, and range land industries. Officials expressed concern over imminent dangers to life and property, noting that fire danger indices remained near record highs despite forecasts of thunderstorms. There were warnings that “holdover” fires could be revived by sunlight and wind.

By late August, wildfires expanded across Baker County and the Umatilla National Forest. Following a lightning storm on August 22, the McCully Fire grew to approximately 5,458 acres, prompting the Baker County Sheriff’s Office to issue evacuation notices for the town of Bourne and surrounding areas like Cable Cove and Silver Creek.

In the Umatilla National Forest, the Hagen Fire reached 59,939 acres with 28% containment, while the Paradise Fire grew to 8,213 acres with 0% containment. Firefighters have employed strategic firing operations to strengthen containment lines.

Entities

Baker County · Wallowa-Whitman National Forest · National Weather Service · Baker County Board of Commissioners · Umatilla National Forest

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Wildfires spread across Baker County and Umatilla National Forest

    Wildfires in Oregon's Baker County and Umatilla National Forest have burned tens of thousands of acres, prompting evacuations and strategic firefighting operations.

  2. 17 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Baker County issues disaster declaration amid wildfires

    Baker County has declared a local disaster due to severe wildfires. Firefighters are now preparing for potential new blazes as lightning returns to the Northeastern Oregon forecast.

Sources

bakercityherald.com · eastoregonian.com · peninsuladailynews.com · sequimgazette.com