Evacuation levels raised for Umatilla County on the Paradise Fire
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – From the Joint Emergency Operation Center for the Paradise Fire burning in the Mill Creek Watershed:
Due to the progress of the fire last night into the area of Low Creek, and out of an abundance of caution given the restricted access and terrain of the area, evacuation levels have been ELEVATED along Mill Creek Rd. We are instructing residents in the area to take extra precautions and be vigilant in monitoring fire behavior. While every effort is being made to provide timely updates on evacuation levels and fire behavior, local terrain presents significant communication and access challenges. If you feel unsafe, leave the area.
Effectively immediately the following evacuation levels have been ELEVATED in Umatilla County related to the PARADISE FIRE in the Mill Creek Watershed:
UMATILLA COUNTY – ELEVATED
LEVEL 3 (GO NOW!)
Evacuation Zones:
UMC – 036
UMC – 1406043 -D
UMC – 1406043 -C
LEVEL 3 (GO NOW!) evacuation area includes the area east of intersection of Mill Creek Road and Tiger Canyon Road, up north to the Washington State Line, and down south to include the Tiger Canyon Road/ NF65, Including the Intake Trail for the Mill Creek Watershed, North of the Mill Creek River Corridor, West of Paradise Fire Boundary.
Residents in LEVEL 3 areas should leave immediately. Imminent danger in the area. Leave without delay. It is unsafe to stay.
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UMATILLA COUNTY – ELEVATED
LEVEL 2 (GET SET)
Evacuation Zones:
UMC – 039
UMC – 041
LEVEL 2 (GET SET) ELEVATED evacuation area includes residents on both sides of the Mill Creek Road beginning 1 mile south of the Washington State Line to Tiger Creek Road. Including Emigh Lane, Netona Lane and China Can Lane and Webb Creek area.
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UMATILLA COUNTY – NO CHANGE
LEVEL 1 (GET READY)
Evacuation Zone:
UMC – 032
LEVEL 1 (GET READY) evacuation area includes the first mile of Mill Creek Road south of the Washington State line (both sides of the road). Fire conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. Do not wait for an official evacuation order if you feel unsafe or see immediate danger.
File photo of night operations on the Paradise Fire
