Highway 204 to remain closed as Hagen Fire activity escalates

UMATILLA AND UNION COUNTY – Highway 204 will remain closed and current evacuation orders stay in effect as erratic fire behavior and adverse weather conditions continue to challenge crews on the Hagen Fire, emergency officials announced Tuesday afternoon.

The Joint Emergency Operations Center — comprising the Umatilla and Union County Sheriff’s Offices, local emergency management agencies, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation — had tentatively planned to reopen the key highway corridor at 4 p.m. Tuesday. However, increasing fire activity and persistent difficult weather forced officials to request that the Oregon Department of Transportation maintain the full road closure.

In addition to hostile weather, officials cited safety risks caused by unauthorized motorists entering closed areas near the fire perimeter. Sheriff’s deputies from both counties have had to respond to a rise in onlookers invading restricted zones to view the wildfire.

Emergency managers warned that driving on closed roads is illegal and dangerously disrupts active operations. When fire resources are pulled away to handle motorists, crews are unable to directly fight the blaze or establish necessary structure protection.

Wildfire managers and local authorities said they are monitoring conditions closely and will reopen Highway 204 once it is safe. Residents and travelers are urged to avoid the entire fire zone, including attempting to navigate around the area using back roads or alternate routes.

Travelers can monitor updated road conditions on https://tripcheck.com/

Photo of helicopter working Hagen Fire courtesy Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office

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Elkhorn Media Group