Red flag warning sparks hazards as crews battle Hagen and Paradise fires

UMATILLA, UNION, WALLA WALLA COUNTIES — Firefighters battling two blazes in the Umatilla National Forest braced for volatile conditions Saturday as forecasters warned of incoming thunderstorms, lightning, and erratic winds.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, cautioning that outflow wind gusts exceeding 40 mph could rapidly shift fire direction and accelerate spread.

The larger Hagen Fire has scorched 55,738 acres near Highway 204 and was 11 percent contained Saturday. More than 1,000 personnel are protecting critical infrastructure, including residential homes and the Spout Springs Ski Area. Crews conducted mop-up operations along Highway 204 and deployed heavy equipment to create fuel breaks along forest roads, though fire managers warned that wind events could blow down fire-damaged trees and endanger crews.

To the northeast, the Paradise Fire stood at 4,979 acres with 0 percent containment. After smoke cleared overnight, the fire burned actively in the Mill Creek drainage. Firefighters utilized infrared-equipped drones to pinpoint hot spots and executed strategic firing operations to strengthen containment lines on the southeast flank. Crews Saturday focused on setting up water pumps along Mill Creek and reinforcing contingency lines near Table Rock Lookout.

A total of 1,385 personnel are assigned across both complex blazes. Emergency officials noted that evacuation levels and road closures remain subject to rapid adjustment as weather conditions evolve through the weekend.

Photo of night operations on Paradise Fire taken by P. MacMeekin

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Elkhorn Media Group