Antelope, Shaniko evacuations downgraded to Level 2 as firefighters work to secure fire lines
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
CONDON – Evacuation notices for Antelope and Shaniko have been downgraded to a Level 2 “Bet Set”, but high winds still have firefighters on alert as they work contain the Little Buck and Cottonwood fires in the Hay Creek Complex.
The Little Buck Fire, which threatened Antelope and Shaniko, is at 36,025 acres and 50% containment. The Cottonwood Fire in Gilliam County has reached 100% containment after burning 15,659 acres.
Although gusty winds Tuesday stirred up embers in both fires, crews kept the blazes within their footprints. Control lines held on the Little Buck Fire despite the wind, allowing Wasco County to lower evacuation levels.
Firefighters Wednesday are looking to locate and cool buried heat near the edges of the Little Buck Fire while crews monitor other blazes in the complex and extinguish hot spots.
Surplus resources in the Hay Creek Complex are being released to assist with other fires in the region.
Forecasters predict a warming and drying trend over the next few days, with gusty winds expected Wednesday.
Crews are working along Oregon Route 218 and ask travelers to slow down and use caution.
A community meeting will be held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Condon Veteran’s Memorial Hall, a livestream link will be available on the Hay Creek Complex Facebook page. A drop-in question and answer session will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Shaniko Hotel.
Photo from Hay Creek Complex Facebook page.
