Lower Dry Creek Fire destroys homes in Umatilla County, triggers emergency declaration

ATHENA — A fast-moving wildfire in northeast Oregon has destroyed at least five homes and threatened multiple rural communities, triggering an emergency declaration that clears the way for federal financial assistance.

The Lower Dry Creek Fire, burning in Umatilla County, has scorched 6,753 acres with 20 percent containment. Fueled by high-speed winds, erratic updrafts, and dry wheat fields, the blaze rapidly threatened the towns of Milton-Freewater, Athena, Weston, Adams, and Tollgate.

In response to the growing threat, Vincent J. Maykovich, the Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 10, approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on Wednesday night. This marks the first FMAG declaration for an Oregon wildfire in 2026. The authorization enables the federal government to reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs, supporting critical state and local response operations.

The Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team assumed unified command on Thursday morning.

“Our task forces are on the line continuing the hard work,” said Steve Chapman of the OSFM Red Team. “We are focusing on critical infrastructure protection, structure protection, and putting in containment lines where needed.”

Nearly 200 personnel, backed by 15 engines and multiple bulldozers, are actively battling the flames. Crews recently stopped the fire’s advance at one area, saving numerous threatened homes. While formal damage assessments and homeowner notifications are underway, officials confirmed that at least five primary residences have already been lost.

Photo of the Lower Dry Creek Fire courtesy OSFM

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Elkhorn Media Group