8-21 Update: Hagen and Paradise fires
By Terry Murry on Friday, August 21st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
Key Messages
- Today is expected to be another active fire day. Firefighters are preparing for stronger winds tomorrow amid continued hot, dry conditions.
- The Mill Creek watershed is critical. Protecting its water intake and surrounding communities remains a top priority.
CURRENT CONDITIONS AND Planned activities
Paradise Fire
Yesterday, the fire remained active in the Low Ridge Creek and Mill Creek drainages. Similar behavior is expected today. Aircraft supported ground operations. Today, crews will continue to protect critical infrastructure including Mill Creek and the water intake, local utilities and communication sites. Firefighters will hold, improve and monitor firelines along the eastern and southern flanks near Low Ridge Creek, focusing on preventing the fire’s spread into the drainage near Forest Roads 64 and 65. Drones, aircraft, heavy equipment, and hand tools will support these efforts. Crews are also improving dozer lines and handlines on the south and west sides, while structure protection resources remain in place.
Hagen Fire
An overnight infrared flight showed increased heat along the fire’s west and north edges. Similar to yesterday, firefighters will locate and mop up those hot spots today, with aircraft supporting operations throughout the day. Crews will continue monitoring unburned areas to the southeast and checking Forest Service Road 31 for newly detected heat. Heavy equipment used to strengthen the road’s shaded fuel break will leave the area today as a safety precaution ahead of tomorrow’s forecast winds.
Weather and Fire Behavior Today will be partly to mostly cloudy with a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in Walla Walla could approach the daily record of 100 degrees. Humidity could drop to 13-17%. Winds of 8 to 12 mph may gust to 18 mph this afternoon. With ignition potential extremely high, torching trees near the perimeter could loft embers across existing fire lines.
File photo from Paradise Fire
