Oregon Department of Forestry - Northeast Oregon District

07/16/2026

July 16, 2026

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan Freeman, (541) 786-8860

Oregon Department of Forestry officials increase public use restrictions from high to extreme

La Grande, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry's Northeast Oregon District (ODF) is responding to changing weather conditions and their increasing impact on fire safety across the region.

Recent weather patterns have brought significantly higher temperatures, combined with ongoing fire activity across the district, making it necessary to implement enhanced public use restrictions on lands protected by ODF.

Fire managers' seasonal fire severity measurements indicate that fire danger has reached extreme levels throughout the region. With fuels continuing to dry, fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly.

"We are seeing extreme fire conditions across the district, and it doesn't take long for a fire to ignite and spread in these dry fuels," said District Forester Justin Lauer. "We must consider every available option to reduce the number of preventable human-caused fires."

Effective at 12:01 A.M. July 17, 2026, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has added additional restrictions to the Public Use Restrictions for lands within the Northeast Oregon District. This declaration places fire prevention restrictions on landowners and the public. The Regulated Use Closure affects private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in seven counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Malheur, Grant, and Morrow Counties.

The Public Use Restrictions (Extreme Fire Danger) include the following fire prevention measures:

· Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires.
o Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
o Propane fire pits are allowed if they are self-contained and 3 feet away from any flammable fuels with a maximum flame height of 2 feet.
· Non-industrial chainsaw use is prohibited.
o Electric Chainsaws are allowed all day.
· Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
o Electric string trimmers are allowed all day.
· Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
· Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required for any vehicle/UTV/ATV traveling on unimproved roadways where flammable vegetation exists on the roadway; shovel or other firefighting tool, minimum of 1-gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

PROHIBITED
· All open debris burning including the use of burn barrels.
· Use of fireworks.
· Use of exploding targets.
· Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal.
· Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
· Smoking while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area free of flammable vegetation.
· Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.

For further information, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at these local offices:

La Grande Unit
(541) 963-3168

Baker City Sub-Unit
(541) 523-5831

Wallowa Unit
(541) 886-2881

Pendleton Unit
(541) 276-3491


Protected lands in northeast Oregon, 2026 for current restriction information call 541-975-3027 or visit
www.bmidc.org



http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains. Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/oregondeptofforestryNEO/
Call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541)963-7171 or dial 9-1-1 to report a fire.

Growing and protecting Oregon's forests for the many benefits they provide. Representing ODFfor nort

07/13/2026

Sharing the final update on the North Cayuse Fire.

07/10/2026

Good morning - sharing the July 10, 2026 North Cayuse Fire update.

07/09/2026

Sharing the update for the North Cayuse Fire. The official page for this incident is now North Cayuse Fire

07/08/2026

North Cayuse Fire Update
Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Tommy Mentzer

Fire Information: Shannon Dunfee (541) 805-4810 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
pages – Northeast Department of Forestry – Northeast Oregon District

Acreage: 4,663 Containment: 12%

The North Cayuse Fire will transition to Northwest Incident Management Team 3 at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Current Fire Information: (July 8, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.) Night-shift: Crews held the fire on the west side of Iskuulpa Creek, where firefighters installed hose lays and cooled interior heat pockets. On the south side of the fire, additional hose lays were put in place and crews conducted mop‑up operations, seeking out and extinguishing remaining heat within the fire perimeter. Crews on the west and north sides patrolled established containment lines, checking for any signs of heat.

Day-shift: As remaining interior islands of unburned fuel are consumed, some smoke may be visible within the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters will continue to strengthen control lines on all sides of the fire by patrolling, conducting mop‑up, and identifying and cooling lingering hot spots within the perimeter. Aircraft will support ground crews as needed to complete fire suppression.

Resources: Total personnel assigned – 423: 3 type 2 helicopters, 2 type 1 handcrews, 3 type 2 IA handcrews, 12 type 2 handcrews, 12 engines, 14 dozers, and 8 water tenders.
Weather: Today - Sunny, with a high near 90. West wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Relative humidity 17-22%. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. West wind 5 to 14 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Air Quality: For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/

Closures and Evacuations: Level 1 Evacuation Notices issued for areas near the North Cayuse Fire by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Emergency Management remain in effect. For a full description of all, see the CTUIR page. The McKay Reservoir is currently closed to the public to support wildfire operations, including aircraft scooping water for fire suppression. Please avoid the area to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) of 5 miles surrounds the North Cayuse Fire. The area is required for the aircraft to safely maneuver. If You Fly, We Can’t! Please remember unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations, making fires grow larger, threatening more lives, property, and critical habitats.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

07/07/2026

North Cayuse Fire Update
Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Tommy Mentzer

Fire Information: Shannon Dunfee (541) 805-4810 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
pages – Northeast Department of Forestry – Northeast Oregon District

Acreage: 4,663 Containment: 12%

Current Fire Information: (July 7, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.) Night-shift: Firefighters had a successful night on the North Cayuse Fire. Crews were able to hold the fire west of Iskuulpa Creek by completing a control line around much of the active fire line in the bottom of the Iskuulpa Creek area. On the northwestern perimeter of the fire, crews conducted a burn out operation to remove unburned fuels between the fire’s edge and the constructed control line. This operation strengthened the control line by reducing fine fuels that could carry fire and challenge containment efforts.

Day-shift: Crews will remain vigilant for increased fire activity due to predicted high winds and low humidity associated with the red flag warning in the area. Control lines on all sides of the fire may be tested under these conditions. Firefighters will continue strengthening control lines by directly engaging the active fire front, conducting mop up, and identifying and cooling remaining areas of heat within the fires perimeter. Resources assigned to the North Cayuse Fire will also be available to assist the local unit with initial attack activity if needed.

Resources: Total personnel assigned – 304: 3 type 2 helicopters, 2 type 2 IA crews, 9 type 2 handcrews, 15 engines, 10 dozers, and 7 water tenders.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for low humidity and high winds near the fire area. Areas of smoke. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Relative humidity 19-24%. Tonight: Areas of smoke before 11pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 59. West wind 6 to 13 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Air Quality: For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/

Closures and Evacuations: Level 1 Evacuation Notices issued for areas near the North Cayuse Fire by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Emergency Management remain in effect. For a full description of all, see the CTUIR page. The McKay Reservoir is currently closed to the public to support wildfire operations, including aircraft scooping water for fire suppression. Please avoid the area to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) of 5 miles surrounds the North Cayuse Fire. The area is required for the aircraft to safely maneuver. If You Fly, We Can’t! Please remember unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations, making fires grow larger, threatening more lives, property, and critical habitats.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

07/07/2026

North Cayuse Fire Update
Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Tommy Mentzer

Fire Information: Shannon Dunfee (541) 805-4810 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
pages – Northeast Department of Forestry – Northeast Oregon District

Acreage: 4,663 Containment: 12%

Current Fire Information: (July 6, 2026 – 9:00 p.m.) The night shift on the North Cayuse Fire will focus on preventing the fire from advancing east of Iskuulpa Creek. The fire remains west of the creek; however, tomorrow’s predicted Red Flag Warning for high winds and low relative humidity is expected to increase fire activity on a fire already resistant to containment. Firefighters will engage where it is safe to do so to help limit further spread.

On the west edge of the fire, crews are conducting burnout operations to remove unburned islands of fuel between the control lines and the active fire edge. Along the northern edge, firefighters will continue strengthening the established containment line throughout the night. On the southwest perimeter, crews will reinforce control lines in an area that experienced moderate fire behavior today as pockets of unburned fuel were consumed and fire activity moved closer to the containment line. Crews will also remain vigilant for any spot fires outside the fire perimeter.

Public and firefighter safety remains the highest priority for fire managers on the North Cayuse Fire. Crews continue to take care to avoid and protect cultural and natural resources within the fire area.

Resources: Total personnel assigned – 304: 3 type 2 helicopters, 2 type 2 IA crews, 9 type 2 handcrews, 15 engines, 10 dozers, and 7 water tenders.

Weather: Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Relative humidities of 30-35%. Northeast to east wind 3 to 7.

Air Quality: For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/

Closures and Evacuations: Level 1 Evacuation Notices issued for areas near the North Cayuse Fire by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Emergency Management remain in effect. For a full description of all, see the CTUIR Facebok page. The McKay Reservoir is currently closed to the public to support wildfire operations, including aircraft scooping water for fire suppression. Please avoid the area to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) of 5 miles surrounds the North Cayuse Fire. The area is required for the aircraft to safely maneuver. If You Fly, We Can’t! Please remember unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations, making fires grow larger, threatening more lives, property, and critical habitats.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

07/06/2026

North Cayuse Fire Update
Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Tommy Mentzer

Fire Information: Shannon Dunfee (541) 805-4810 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
pages – Northeast Department of Forestry – Northeast Oregon District

Acreage: 2,300 (estimated) Containment: 9%

Current Fire Information: (July 5, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.) Firefighters on the North Cayuse Fire are engaged in a full suppression response, working directly on the active fire to limit additional growth. Supported by aviation resources, including air tankers and helicopters, crews continue operations in steep, rugged terrain with a focused effort to keep the fire from entering the Iskuulpa Creek area.
The fire is burning in grass, brush, and timber. Although fuels are still green, they are exhibiting active fire behavior after being pre‑heated by ongoing fire activity, winds, and high temperatures.

Tonight, crews will continue scouting for safe opportunities to directly engage the fire while working to halt southward movement. Public and firefighter safety remains the highest priority for fire managers on the North Cayuse Fire. Crews are also taking care to avoid and protect cultural and natural resources within the fire area.

Fire suppression efforts are being carried out with the assistance of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the Department of the Interior – Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and many other local and federal partners.

In the coming days, firefighting personnel and heavy equipment will remain active in the area. For everyone’s safety, we ask the public to avoid the vicinity while crews finish their work.

Resources: Total personnel assigned – 236: 6 large air tankers, 4 single engine air tankers, 1 type 1 helicopter, 4 type 2 helicopters, 4-type 2 handcrews, 11 engines, 3 dozers, and 3-water tenders.

Weather: Sunny with a high near 86. Relative humidity of 14%. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Air Quality: For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/

Closures and Evacuations: Level 1 Evacuation Notices issued for areas near the North Cayuse Fire by the CTUIR Emergency Services remain in effect. For a full description of all, see the CTUIR Facebok page. The McKay Reservoir is currently closed to the public to support wildfire operations, including aircraft scooping water for fire suppression. Please avoid the area to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) of 5 miles surrounds the North Cayuse Fire. The area is required for the aircraft to safely maneuver. If You Fly, We Can’t! Please remember unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations, making fires grow larger, threatening more lives, property, and critical habitats.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

07/06/2026

North Cayuse Fire Update
Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Tommy Mentzer

Fire Information: Shannon Dunfee (541) 805-4810 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
pages – Northeast Department of Forestry – Northeast Oregon District

Acreage: 2,300 (estimated) Containment: 9%

Current Fire Information: (July 5, 2026 – 7:30 p.m.) Firefighters on the North Cayuse Fire are engaged in a full suppression response, working directly on the active fire to limit additional growth. Supported by aviation resources, including air tankers and helicopters, crews continue operations in steep, rugged terrain with a focused effort to keep the fire from entering the Iskuulpa Creek area.

The fire is burning in grass, brush, and timber. Although fuels are still green, they are exhibiting active fire behavior after being pre‑heated by ongoing fire activity, winds, and high temperatures.

Tonight, crews will continue scouting for safe opportunities to directly engage the fire while working to halt southward movement. Public and firefighter safety remains the highest priority for fire managers on the North Cayuse Fire. Crews are also taking care to avoid and protect cultural and natural resources within the fire area.

Fire suppression efforts are being carried out with the assistance of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the Department of the Interior – Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and many other local and federal partners.

In the coming days, firefighting personnel and heavy equipment will remain active in the area. For everyone’s safety, we ask the public to avoid the vicinity while crews finish their work.

Resources: Total personnel assigned – 236: 6 large air tankers, 4 single engine air tankers, 1 type 1 helicopter, 4 type 2 helicopters, 4-type 2 handcrews, 11 engines, 3 dozers, and 3-water tenders.

Weather: Sunny with a high near 86. Relative humidity of 14%. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Air Quality: For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/

Closures and Evacuations: Level 1 Evacuation Notices issued for areas near the North Cayuse Fire by the CTUIR Emergency Services remain in effect. For a full description of all, see the CTUIR page. The McKay Reservoir is currently closed to the public to support wildfire operations, including aircraft scooping water for fire suppression. Please avoid the area to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighters.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) of 5 miles surrounds the North Cayuse Fire. The area is required for the aircraft to safely maneuver. If You Fly, We Can’t! Please remember unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations, making fires grow larger, threatening more lives, property, and critical habitats.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

06/29/2026

The Oregon Department of Forestry extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the wildland firefighters who lost their lives this past week in the line of duty.

Over this past weekend, three firefighters were lost fighting the Knowles and Gore fires on the
Colorado-Utah border. Three other firefighters were lost in an aviation incident last Wednesday in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

“Fire is a tight knit community. The loss of a firefighter, no matter the agency, hits hard each time.” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief.

We stand by our federal and international partners as they navigate these tragedies and mourn alongside the rest of our wildland fire community.