Salmon Fire and Olive Butte Fire Daily Update August 8, 2026
By Garrett Christensen on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
EASTERN OREGON — (Update from Salmon Fire Public Information Office) Total Resources: 20 engines; 3 crews; 7 heavy equipment; 19 water tenders; 280 personnel
Fire crews continue completing fire suppression repair and backhauling equipment, and they have completed these operations in some areas. This work will continue today and tomorrow.
Yesterday the Umatilla, Malheur, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests reduced the closure area around the fires. Although some additional areas are now open, residents and visitors should remain vigilant for heavy equipment which continues to move through the area. Conditions remain hot, extremely dry, and extremely conducive to wildfire.
The ABQ Zone Incident Management Team is preparing to return command of the fires to the Umatilla, Malheur, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests which will continue to manage the incidents locally. Transfer of command is tentatively 1800 on Sunday, August 9. This is the final daily update for the Salmon and Olive Butte fires.
“We appreciate the excellent partnership we’ve had with the Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, our many partners and the local communities here. Working together has been a big part of our successful operations,” Incident Commander Lino Baca.
Salmon Fire- Size: 1,433 acres | Start Date: July 8, 2026| Cause: Lightning | Containment: 88%
Fire crews continue to monitor and patrol interior unburned areas that showed activity on Thursday and Friday. Crews continue to assess the sprinklers, which remain in place. Chipping and suppression repair continue.
Olive Butte Fire- Size: 3,092 acres | Start Date: July 8, 2026 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 94%
Crews continue to monitor and patrol as they complete suppression repair and backhaul equipment.
Weather: A weak upper-level trough is projected to move into Washington today, suppressing the ridge and prompting a gradual cooling trend as winds shift to the west. Following an intense dry spell, relative humidity levels will rise modestly, and while temperatures will begin to decrease, they will remain near to above normal seasonal averages.
Smoke: The NE Oregon Daily Smoke Outlook at the Oregon Smoke Information page no longer covers the Salmon and Olive Butte Fires, but does cover the surrounding area and nearby fires. For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality, check AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Evacuations: Evacuationswere recently changed. Stay up to date on evacuation orders by visiting the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Property owners may access property by showing identification at check points. To sign up for notifications in your area, visit Grant County Everbridge or Baker County Alert.
Closures and Safety: The closure area has been reduced. Check out the Salmon and Olive Butte Fire Area Closure and map. The public is asked to avoid the fire closure area for everyone’s safety and to facilitate firefighting efforts.
Additional Resource:
InciWeb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orumf-salmon-fire
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SalmonFireOR2026
Email: 2026.salmon@firenet.gov
Salmon Fire Public Information Office
Fire Information: 541-407-5475
Email: 2026.salmon@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalmonFireOR2026
InciWeb: Salmon Fire Information | InciWeb
