8-19 UPDATE: Paradise and Hagen fires
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
EASTERN OREGON/WASHINGTON – Containment figures stayed the same as the Southern Area Command Team 3 took command of the Hagen at 19 percent and the Paradise at zero percent fires. The new group thanked the Northern Rockies Team 6 for “its outstanding work.”
Commander Bart Kicklighter noted the evacuation notices were increased due to the Paradise Fire in Umatilla County (previously reported this morning).
CURRENT CONDITIONS AND Planned activities
Paradise Fire
Fire activity increased along Low Ridge and is moving toward Low Creek. Aircraft and drones helped slow the fire’s spread. Crews are working to improve fire control lines while securing hot spots along the fire’s edge near Forest Service Roads 64 and 65. Structure protection remains in place near Snake Ridge, Table Rock Lookout and the water intake facilities along Mill Creek. Fire personnel will continue to monitor fire spread toward the southwest.
Hagen Fire
Crews continue to mop up and strengthen fire line near Highway 204 and Horseshoe Prairie. Firefighters will closely monitor the southeastern fire perimeter between Ruckel Spring and the Big Saddle–North Fork Meacham Creek area. Heavy equipment, including masticators, will continue removing brush and smaller trees along roadways and building a shaded fuel break along Forest Service Road 31. Drivers should expect additional equipment and firefighter traffic in these areas. Firefighters are also protecting structures, the Union Pacific Railroad and other infrastructure.
Weather and Fire Behavior Hot and very dry weather is expected today. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 80s and low 90s, with humidity dropping to 10 to 13%. Winds will shift to the northwest this afternoon, with ridgetop gusts around 15-18 mph. Dry grass and other fine fuels will ignite easily. Individual or groups of trees may ignite, and the fire could make short uphill runs and produce spot fires one-quarter to one-half mile ahead of the main fire. Humidity will remain low into the evening, allowing fire activity to continue. The Paradise Fire may remain active on Low Ridge, while unburned areas on the southeastern side of the Hagen Fire may continue to ignite and burn.
