9-21 Hagen Fire Update
By Terry Murry on Monday, September 21st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
The Hagen Fire has burned 61,379 acres. Containment (the percentage of the current fire edge considered very unlikely to spread) has reached 89%, with 522 personnel assigned.
Crews and heavy equipment are repairing disturbances from fire line construction around the fire perimeter. Firefighters are working on soil stabilization and culvert repair to restore road drainage and minimize erosion. To complete this work before winter weather sets in, 12 twenty-person crews are working, supported by 11 engines, 12 water tenders, 4 dozers, 4 road graders, 4 skidgines, 2 chippers and 1 helicopter.
Firefighters are conducting infrared detection flights with unmanned aerial vehicles to be certain that no hidden fire remains that could spread under drier conditions.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Today will be fair and warm with lower relative humidity. A cooling trend is expected through the week with a high probability of rain by the weekend, with snow at higher elevations.
Umatilla National Forest Closure: The Hagen Fire Emergency Closure Reduction update is effective beginning September 18, 2026, through October 1, 2026, for public safety and to facilitate firefighting operations. Areas included in the closure include the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, Corporations/Lick Creek Trailhead, North Fork Umatilla Trailhead, Umatilla Forks Campground, Buck Creek Trailhead, Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead, Ninemile Trailhead, Lake Creek Trailhead, and South Fork Umatilla Trailhead. See the revised order and map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/alerts/hagen-fire-emergency-closure-update .
Fire Restrictions: The Umatilla National Forest has downgraded the level of public use restrictions. See the revised fire restrictions here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/fire/info
Evacuation Levels: There are no remaining evacuation levels associated with the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County, Union County or CTUIR. The U.S. Forest Service area closure remains in effect. Lifting evacuation status does not mean closed National Forest lands are open to the public.
Residents and visitors should also remember that the absence of visible smoke does not mean all hazards are gone. Burned areas may still contain weakened or falling trees, rolling or falling rocks, pockets of remaining heat, unstable terrain, and firefighters or heavy equipment working in the area.
Air Space Restrictions: Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the wildfires. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area.
