Hagen and Paradise Fires update as of August 23, 2026
By Mindy McKerrall on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 in Uncategorized
UMATILLA AND UNION COUNTY-
PUBLIC SAFETY: Evacuation levels and road closures can change quickly. Please check official sources for the most current information.
| Fire | Size | Containment | Personnel |
| Hagen Fire | 59,559 | 19% | 963 |
| Paradise Fire | 7,700 acres | 0% | 321 |
Key Messages
- Highway 204. A pilot car is helping control traffic patterns along Hwy. 204. Please be especially mindful while driving in that area for public and firefighter safety.
- Red Flag Warning Lifted. The Red Flag Warnings have been lifted over both fires today. Lower temperatures and higher humidity are expected to reduce fire activity.
CURRENT CONDITIONS AND Planned activities
Paradise Fire
The fire increased by 672 acres yesterday due to forecast winds under a Red Flag Warning, which expired last night. Firefighters, supported by aviation, were able to hold firelines around the fire’s perimeter near significant natural resources and infrastructure, including Forest Service Roads 64 and 65; Mill Creek and the water intake; local utilities; and communication sites. Crews created a second dozer line in the Forest Service Road 65 area to improve containment of spot fires. Today, personnel will continue to patrol and mop up persistent hot spots, as well as look into potential strategic firing operations to minimize fire severity to help protect the watershed, especially since they are operating on slopes of 60% or greater within the highest suppression difficulty category.
Hagen Fire
The fire increased by 452 acres yesterday. Firefighters worked hard yesterday to hold containment lines during significant winds and thunderstorms. Some resources provided support to the Oregon Department of Forestry when a new fire started in the area. Forest Service Road 31 also remained a priority, as well as other areas southeast of the fire. Today firefighters plan to mop up and patrol containment lines and hot spots with support from aviation assets as needed.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Lower temperatures and increased humidity are forecast for today, which will keep fire conditions from reaching critical levels. Fire spread is still possible, but spotting and general intensity will lessen. A warming and drying trend is expected to begin again on Monday, allowing for potential fire spread, especially in unburned pockets within the fires’ footprint.
Paradise and Hagen Fires
IMPORTANT – INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY
Conditions can change rapidly. Evacuation levels and road closures are frequently adjusted.