North Cayuse Fire grows to 4,663 acres as crews brace for red-flag conditions
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MISSION – The North Cayuse Fire has burned an estimated 4,663 acres and is 12 percent contained, according to the latest report released late Monday night.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said crews will battle red-flag conditions Tuesday against a blaze that is already “resistant to containment.”
Overnight, crews focused on keeping the fire from advancing east of Iskuulpa Creek. On the fire’s western edge, firefighters are conducting burnout operations to remove unburned pockets of fuel between control lines and the active fire.
Crews on the northern edge are working to strengthen established containment lines. On the southwest perimeter, firefighters are reinforcing control lines where moderate fire behavior recently pushed the flames closer to the containment boundary.
A temporary flight restriction remains in place around the fire area to accommodate air support assisting ground crews. McKay Reservoir also remains closed to support those aerial operations.
Level One, Be Ready evacuation levels are still in effect for the Buckaroo Lane area to Iskuulpa.
Local air quality monitors show mostly moderate levels, though some sensors in Pendleton have recorded levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Individuals who are sensitive are advised to reduce outdoor activity.
Photo from Oregon Department of Forestry
