Cooler weather gives crews brief advantage against three reginal wildfires

UMATILLA, UNION AND WALLA WALLA COUNTY — Moderate weather and heavy smoke cover provided a brief respite for fire crews battling three blazes across Oregon and Washington, allowing 935 personnel under Northwest Team 7 to expand containment lines and fortify defenses.

State structure protection strike teams are wrapping up their mission on the largest blaze, reallocating resources elsewhere as operations expand across three incident bases in Walla Walla, Athena, and Elgin. Fire officials warn that expected warmer, drier, and breezier weather could re-ignite activity late Tuesday.

The Hagen Fire, the largest of the complex at 29,967 acres, is burning roughly nine miles southwest of Tollgate, and 12 miles northwest of Elgin. Fire spread mostly south and east as containment held along Bingham Road. Crews are constructing control lines along existing roads to secure the remaining open flanks.

The Horse Ridge Fire, located about five miles northeast of Meacham, stands at 838 acres. The blaze has shown no growth for several days and is now 76 percent contained while firefighters mop up and strengthen existing perimeters.

The Paradise Fire covers 762 acres roughly 10 miles southeast of Walla Walla. Due to its location within the city’s municipal watershed, crews are carefully using direct hand lines in steep terrain to suppress flames while preserving water quality.

Evacuations remain in effect across Umatilla, Union, and tribal lands. Authorities remind the public to maintain vigilance and adhere to strict forest closures and flight restrictions. Follow the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook for evacuation updates: https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff

Photo of Hagen Fire, taken July 24, 2026, courtesy InciWeb

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Elkhorn Media Group