Union County Emergency Services

09/29/2026

Training Together Builds Stronger Emergency Response

When a major emergency occurs, the response rarely involves just one agency. Effective response depends on multiple organizations, departments and individuals coming together, understanding their roles and working toward the same goal. Training together helps build the relationships and coordination that will be essential in a real emergency.

Last week, Union County Emergency Services participated in a short-duration, full-scale response scenario at Grande Ronde Hospital. The scenario simulated a mass-casualty incident involving numerous contaminated patients, providing participants with an opportunity to practice responding to a complex emergency under realistic conditions.

The training brought together volunteer patient actors and participating agencies, including Elgin Rural Fire Protection District, La Grande Rural Fire Protection District, La Grande Fire Department, multiple departments at Grande Ronde Hospital, and Union County Emergency Services.

Working side-by-side allowed participants to practice communication, coordination and emergency procedures while gaining a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of partner agencies. It also provided an opportunity to identify strengths, work through challenges and strengthen the relationships that are so important when agencies must quickly come together during an actual emergency.

While no one hopes to face a real-world incident requiring this level of response, taking the time to train together helps ensure that when an emergency occurs, local agencies and organizations are better prepared to respond, communicate and support one another.

Strong emergency response is a community effort. It is built through preparation, communication, cooperation and a commitment to working together. These partnerships help build a resilient community and ensure local responders are ready to work together when it matters most.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this valuable training possible.

Elgin Rural Fire Protection District
La Grande Rural Fire Protection District
City of La Grande Fire Department
Grande Ronde Hospital

09/28/2026

The Hagen Fire is now 97% contained, and management has transitioned to a smaller local team operating out of Walla Walla. The fire camp in Elgin is being dismantled today.
Residents and visitors should remember that the absence of visible smoke does not mean all hazards are gone. Burned areas may still have weakened or falling trees, rolling rocks, pockets of heat, unstable terrain, and firefighters or heavy equipment working in the area. With wet and windy weather approaching, the risk of falling trees will increase.

09/21/2026

Exercises like this provide local agencies with the opportunity to practice working together, test response procedures and communication, and identify areas for improvement—strengthening our community’s preparedness for a real emergency.

🚨 COMMUNITY DRILL NOTICE
Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics will participate in a Union County Mass-Casualty Incident and Patient Decontamination Exercise on Tuesday, September 22, from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This short-duration, full-scale emergency response exercise will take place on and around our main hospital campus in collaboration with Union County Emergency Services, City of La Grande Fire and Rescue, and other local agencies.
Community members may notice increased activity involving emergency vehicles, first responders, and other response personnel in the area during the exercise.
This is a planned exercise, not an actual emergency.
The drill will allow participating agencies to practice coordinated response to a mass-casualty event, including patient decontamination, communication, and other critical emergency response procedures.
Thank you for your awareness as our local agencies work together to strengthen community preparedness.

09/16/2026

🔥 HAGEN FIRE: ALL REMAINING EVACUATION LEVELS LIFTED
Umatilla County • Union County • CTUIR
September 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
✅ GOOD NEWS
All remaining evacuation levels associated with the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County, Union County and CTUIR are being lifted.
🚨 Effective at 11:00 a.m., all remaining Hagen Fire evacuation zones will return to Normal status and will no longer be under an evacuation level.
✅ There will be no remaining evacuation levels associated with the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County, Union County or CTUIR.
This is an encouraging milestone and reflects continued improvement in fire conditions and the work of firefighters and partner agencies throughout the incident.
⚠️ The U.S. Forest Service area closure remains in effect.
Returning to Normal evacuation status does not mean closed National Forest lands are open to the public.
Even where little or no smoke is visible, hazards may remain in the burned area, including weakened or falling trees, falling rocks, pockets of remaining heat, unstable terrain, and firefighters or heavy equipment.
📍 Removal of an evacuation level does not automatically lift separate road, land-management or area closures.
With all Hagen Fire evacuation zones returning to Normal, routine evacuation-level updates for the Hagen Fire will conclude. If conditions change or additional public safety information is needed, updates will be provided.
We appreciate the cooperation and patience of residents throughout this incident.
📍 Umatilla County Emergency Advisory Information:
https://umatillacounty.net/departments/sheriffs-office/emergency-management/emergency-advisories
📍 Union County Emergency Services:
https://unioncountyor.gov/emergency-services/es-current-alerts/
🚨 Sign up for emergency alerts:
www.oralert.gov
🔥 Official fire updates — Paradise, Hagen and Horse Ridge Fire Information:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592064000400

Official Information for the Hagen Fire 2026

09/16/2026

🔥 Union County Rescinds Burn Ban, Returns to Regulated Use Fire Season

September 16, 2026

At the Commission meeting this morning, the Union County Board of Commissioners voted to rescind the countywide burn ban and return to Regulated Use Fire Season, effective immediately.

The decision follows a recommendation from the Union County Fire Defense Board based on recent cooler temperatures and precipitation that have improved fire conditions. The Fire Defense Board also recommended extending the regulated use season through October 15, 2026.

🔥 Under Regulated Use Fire Season, recreational fires are permitted and burn barrels may be used during specified hours, provided all requirements of Union County Ordinance 2024-02 are followed.

Key regulations in Ordinance 2024-02 include:

🕕 Burn barrel use is allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Burn barrels must be located in a cleared area with a 10-foot radius free of flammable material and at least 25 feet from any structure.

Burn barrels must be equipped with a heavy metal screen and attended at all times, with water and a shovel immediately available.

Burning is prohibited on windy days.

🔥 Recreational fires are permitted only in approved fire rings less than six feet in diameter and must be constantly attended until fully extinguished.

Oregon Department of Forestry permit requirements apply in ODF-protected areas.

⚠️ Fire conditions can change quickly. Residents are encouraged to use caution with all outdoor fires, ensure fires are not left unattended, and make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Union County Ordinance 2024-02 is available on the county website at www.unioncountyor.gov.

🌲 Individuals located in areas of dual protection by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will be required to follow ODF restrictions currently in effect. Forest visitors are encouraged to stay up to date on the latest orders and regulations in Northeast Oregon by visiting the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center restrictions page.

09/11/2026

🔥 HAGEN FIRE EVACUATION LEVELS LIFTED IN ADDITIONAL AREAS; LEVEL 3 EVACUATION AREAS NEAR FIRE REMAIN
Umatilla County • Union County • CTUIR
September 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Continued progress on the Hagen Fire is allowing emergency officials to lift additional evacuation levels in portions of Umatilla County, Union County and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
⚠️ FOREST CLOSURE REMAINS IN EFFECT
Although evacuation levels are being lifted, the U.S. Forest Service area closure remains in effect. Returning to Normal evacuation status does not mean closed National Forest lands are open for public access.
Do not rely on visible smoke as an indication that an area is safe. Even where little or no smoke is visible, hazards can remain, including burning and falling snags, rolling or falling rocks, pockets of remaining heat, and active heavy equipment.
🔥 The burned area and adjacent lands identified on the evacuation maps remain at Level 3 (GO NOW).
The Hagen Fire is currently estimated at 61,815 acres and 64% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up the fire area, address remaining pockets of heat, complete suppression repair and protect structures and critical infrastructure.
Emergency officials from Umatilla County, Union County, CTUIR and partner agencies continue to coordinate jointly with fire management partners as conditions are evaluated and suppression and repair work continues.
🚨 Effective at 1:00 p.m., the following Hagen Fire evacuation levels are LIFTED and the identified zones will return to Normal status:
🔘 EVACUATION LEVELS LIFTED / EVACUATIONS REMOVED — RETURNING TO NORMAL STATUS
UMATILLA COUNTY AND CTUIR
Highway 204 / Tollgate Area
UMC-123-E
UMC-1406017-A
UMC-1406020-B
UMC-1406024A
UMC-153
UMC-157-A
UMC-157-B
UMC-243
Includes: Areas generally along and south of Highway 204 through the Cold Springs and Tollgate areas, including portions of Bear Creek, Lick Creek, Grouse Mountain and the Bingham Springs area.
Bingham Road / Umatilla River Area
UMC-1406007-B
UMC-1406015-C
UMC-1406015-E
UMC-1406015-G
UMC-1406053-B
UMC-1406053-C
UMC-215-A
UMC-215-B
Includes: Areas along Bingham Road and the Umatilla River corridor west of the Hagen Fire area, extending east toward the Old Meacham Creek Road area and the fire perimeter.
🔘 These 16 Umatilla County and CTUIR zones will return to Normal status and will no longer be under an evacuation level.
UNION COUNTY
Highway 204 / Lookingglass Area
UCO-140610S
UCO-140612N
UCO-140612S
UCO-140619A
UCO-140619B
UCO-140619C
UCO-140624S
UCO-140630A
Includes: Areas extending from the Umatilla/Union County line near USFS Road 64 south along the Highway 204 corridor toward Milepost 32, including portions of the Lookingglass Creek and Eagle Creek areas and adjacent National Forest lands.
North / Northwest of Summerville
UCO-140609C
UCO-1435
UCO-1449
UCO-1450
Includes: Areas north and northwest of Summerville, including portions of Ruckle Road and Sanderson Road, extending west toward the Umatilla/Union County line.
🔘 These 12 Union County zones will return to Normal status and will no longer be under an evacuation level.
⚠️ IMPORTANT — 🚨LEVEL 3 AREAS AND FOREST CLOSURE REMAIN
The burned area and adjacent lands identified on the evacuation maps remain at Level 3 (GO NOW), and the U.S. Forest Service area closure remains in effect.
Significant hazards remain within and adjacent to the fire area, including burning and falling snags, rolling or falling rocks, pockets of remaining heat, and active heavy equipment.
🚫 Returning to Normal evacuation status does not authorize entry into closed areas.
These evacuation removals are an encouraging sign of continued progress on the Hagen Fire, but firefighters, engines, heavy equipment and other fire resources will continue working throughout the fire area.
Residents and travelers should continue to expect fire personnel and equipment operating throughout the affected area. Please slow down, remain alert and give crews and equipment room to work.
All other Hagen Fire evacuation areas not identified as returning to Normal remain at their current evacuation level.
📍 Watch for Fire Crews: Watch for firefighters, engines, heavy equipment and trucks entering and exiting roadways.
📍 Respect Closures: The U.S. Forest Service area closure and any other applicable road or area closures remain in effect. Returning to Normal evacuation status does not lift separate closures.
🗺️ Current Evacuation Map – Genasys:
https://protect.genasys.com/.../d4e53810-46d0-48fb-889b...
🗺️ Current Evacuation Map – Raptor:
https://arcg.is/0SjKLG1
📍 Umatilla County Emergency Advisory Information:
https://umatillacounty.net/.../emerg.../emergency-advisories
📍 Union County Emergency Services:
https://unioncountyor.gov/emergency.../es-current-alerts/
🚨 Sign up for emergency alerts:
www.oralert.gov
🔥 Official fire updates — Paradise, Hagen and Horse Ridge Fire Information:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592064000400

09/04/2026

🔥 HAGEN FIRE EVACUATION LEVELS REDUCED
(Umatilla County, Union County, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)
September 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
🔥 Continued progress on the Hagen Fire is allowing emergency officials to further reduce or lift evacuation levels in portions of Umatilla County, Union County and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
A Joint Emergency Operations Center, including the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla County Emergency Management, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Emergency Management, and CTUIR, remains actively engaged with the Incident Management Team managing the Hagen and Paradise fires.
The evacuation changes listed below are specific to the Hagen Fire.
🚨 Effective at 12:00 p.m., the following Hagen Fire evacuation levels are REDUCED or LIFTED:
🟡 LEVEL 2 (BE SET) REDUCED TO
🟢 LEVEL 1 (BE READY)
UMATILLA COUNTY AND CTUIR
Evacuation Zone:
UMC-157-A
Includes: The area south of Highway 204 near Cold Springs, generally between Mileposts 12 and 15, extending south toward Bear Creek and Pine Creek.
UNION COUNTY
Evacuation Zones:
UCO-1450
UCO-1435
Includes: The area south of the National Forest boundary, west of Phillips Creek Road, and north of (not including) Finley Creek Lane including addresses above 69500 on Ruckle Road.
________________________________________
🟢 LEVEL 1 (BE READY) LIFTED / EVACUATIONS REMOVED
UMATILLA COUNTY AND CTUIR
Evacuation Zones:
UMC-119-B
UMC-121-A
UMC-123-D
UMC-123-F
UMC-1406024B
UMC-1406030-A
UMC-1406058-A
UMC-149-B
UMC-149-C
UMC-151-D
UMC-155-A
UMC-155-B
UMC-215-C
UMC-215-D
UMC-215-E
UMC-215-F
✅ These zones have returned to normal status and are no longer under an evacuation level.
Includes: Areas east and southeast of Weston, including portions of the Weston Mountain, Indian Grade Road, Pine Creek Road, Abel Road and Bingham Road areas, extending south toward the Umatilla River corridor. Also included are areas north of Highway 204 extending east through the Tollgate area toward USFS Road 64 and the Jubilee Lake area.
UNION COUNTY
✅ The following zones have returned to normal status and are no longer under an evacuation level.
Tollgate / Highway 204 Area
UCO-140619D
UCO-140622
UCO-140624N-A
UCO-140624N-B
UCO-1451
Includes: The area southeast of the USFS 64 Road and southwest of the USFS 63 Road extending south to the USFS6400-030 road and Lookingglass Creek below the confluence with Swamp Creek. Also the area of south of the USFS boundary that is east of Phillips Creek Road and west of Hwy 204.
North / Northwest of Summerville
UCO-140609B
UCO-1421
UCO-1436
UCO-1437
UCO-1438
Includes: Areas north and northwest of Summerville, generally between the Umatilla/Union County line and Highway 204, including portions of Tamarack Springs Lane, Ruckle Road, Sanderson Road and Summerville Road.
East of Highway 204 / Steele Mill Canyon–Lookingglass Area
UCO-1463
UCO-1476
UCO-1485
UCO-1495
UCO-1497
UCO-1505
UCO-1513
Includes: Areas east of Highway 204 from approximately Milepost 32 north through Steele Mill Canyon and Lookingglass Creek, extending east toward Gordon Creek Road and the USFS Road 63 corridor.
________________________________________
These reductions and lifted evacuation levels are an encouraging sign of the continued progress on the Hagen Fire.
Firefighters, engines and other fire apparatus will continue working throughout affected areas as suppression and mop-up work continues.
Residents and travelers should continue to expect fire personnel, engines, heavy equipment and emergency vehicles operating in the area. Please slow down, remain alert and give crews room to work.
All other Hagen Fire evacuation areas not listed above remain at their current evacuation level.
📍 Watch for Fire Crews: Drivers should slow down, stay alert and watch for firefighters, engines, heavy equipment and trucks entering and exiting roadways.
📍 Respect Closures: All applicable U.S. Forest Service road and area closures remain in effect.
Emergency officials from Umatilla County, Union County, CTUIR and partner agencies continue to coordinate closely with fire managers. Additional adjustments to evacuation levels will be made as conditions allow.
🗺️ Current Evacuation Map – Genasys:
https://protect.genasys.com/en/map/45.677461%2C-118.225679/hazards/d4e53810-46d0-48fb-889b-3e670328dcfb?lat=45.6775&lng=-118.2257&z=10.7
🗺️ Current Evacuation Map – Raptor:
https://arcg.is/0SjKLG1
📍 Umatilla County Emergency Advisory Information:
https://umatillacounty.net/departments/sheriffs-office/emergency-management/emergency-advisories
📍 Union County Emergency Services:
https://unioncountyor.gov/emergency-services/es-current-alerts/
🚨 Sign up for emergency alerts:
www.oralert.gov
🔥 Continue to follow official fire updates at Paradise, Hagen and Horse Ridge Fire Information:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592064000400

09/04/2026

Quick Facts
September 4, 2026

Paradise
Acreage: 9,639
Containment: 22%
Personnel: 373

Hagen
Acreage: 61,408
Containment: 54%
Personnel: 787

09/03/2026

🩸 Give Blood. Help Save Lives. ❤️

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Union County on September 15 and 16, 2026.

If you’re eligible to donate, consider making an appointment and helping ensure blood is available for patients who need it.

✅ September 15 & 16,
📍 La Grande Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1802 Gekeler Lane

❤️Every donation makes a difference — a single donation may save up to three lives.

👉 Find a drive and schedule your appointment https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=97850.

Find the nearest Red Cross blood, platelet or plasma donation center. Make a difference in someone's life, give the gift of life.

09/01/2026