Scattered areas of heat still detected in McCully Fire
By Logan Bagett on Monday, September 21st, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
SUMPTER — Fire officials on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest recently issued an update on the McCully Fire north of Sumpter. Infrared flights continue to detect scattered areas of heat within the fire perimeter, primarily on the northwest finger of the fire. The agency also thanked Northwest Team 3 and California Team 1 for their accomplishments in battling the fire. The blaze was last updated at 91% containment. Read the forest’s update below:
(From the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest)
“Not only do I want to thank Northwest Team 3 and California Team 1 for all they accomplished during their days managing the McCully Fire but I want to express my sincere gratitude to the local residents, the miners, the hunters, and everyone who recreates on the Whitman Ranger District for their patience with the forest, the teams, and our partners as we all worked together to suppress this fire.”
—District Ranger Jeremy Aujero
Incident Commander McDonald reported Thursday that while the fire has not grown since the transfer of command on Tuesday, infrared flights continue to detect scattered areas of heat within the fire perimeter, primarily on the northwest finger of the fire. Firefighters are thoroughly extinguishing hotspots identified near the firelines. Currently, this mop-up work is occurring primarily in the Baldy drainage and along Baldy Ridge.
Forest Road 73 remains a priority. Crews are eliminating snags and other hazards, such as unstable rocks and soil. Fire and forest leadership are assessing a timeline for re-entry. “The goal is to get folks back in as soon as possible. We should be at a good stopping point soon,” said Incident Commander McDonald.
Suppression-repair work continues on the contingency firelines that were constructed south of fire. Heavy equipment is still being used to move logs to lower elevations and masticate woody debris.
Containment of the 13,604-acre McCully Fire remains at 91 percent. Approximately 85 personnel are assigned to the fire.
McCully Fire contingency fireline west of Spaulding Gulch near Sumpter, Oregon (photo: USDA Forest Service)
