Wildfire activity forces closure of Highway 20 between Burns and Juntura
By Mindy McKerrall on Friday, July 31st, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY AND MALHEUR COUNTY-Highway 20 is closed in both directions between Burns and Juntura on Friday, July 31, 2026, as active wildfires continue to impact eastern Oregon.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), heavy smoke and severely compromised visibility have made the stretch unsafe for travel. Emergency and transport crews remain on scene monitoring fire behavior and directing traffic.
Motorists traveling between Harney and Malheur counties are strongly urged to seek alternate routes. Officials caution drivers against turning to unpaved backroads, as many nearby rural corridors are also impacted by low visibility, fire activity, or emergency vehicle staging.
ODOT advises all travelers to consult TripCheck.com for real-time traffic condition updates and detour information prior to departure.
Further updates will be provided as conditions develop.
