Crews achieve 100 percent containment on Old Emigrant Fire east of Pendleton
By Dan Thesman on Sunday, June 21st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON — Firefighters have achieved 100 percent containment on the 1,460-acre Old Emigrant Fire, east of Pendleton, prompting the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) – Northeast Oregon District to issue their final scheduled update Sunday morning.
Suppression and mop-up operations are nearly complete, extending 300 feet inside the perimeter. Management of the fire will transition back to a local organization on Monday, according to ODF.
A team of 100 personnel, backed by two helicopters and seven engines, remains on-site to patrol the fire lines and cool remaining hot spots under sunny skies and light winds.
No evacuations are in effect, but the Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Highway 30 adjacent to the fire to accommodate heavy equipment. Officials urge the public to avoid the area and strictly respect a 5-mile temporary flight restriction, warning that unauthorized drone flights will halt critical aerial operations.
The fire started Tuesday, June 16 and the cause is still under investigation.
Photo courtesy of ODF shows a retardant line and some of the structures near the fire
