Wildfire destroys outbuildings, crosses Umatilla River before being contained near Hermiston
By Griffin Beach on Monday, July 27th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Multiple agencies responded Saturday to a wildland fire south of Hermiston Saturday that spread rapidly in high heat and strong winds.
Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 reported being dispatched just after noon to the Cottonwood Bend Road area, where several outbuildings were engulfed in flames and fire was spreading into nearby brush. The blaze crossed the Umatilla River shortly after.
Firefighters faced challenges accessing the fire, noting a significant portion burned between the river and an irrigation canal where there was virtually no vehicle access. Crews managed to contain the fire by 7 p.m.
No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.
UCFD No. 1 noted that despite the resources allocated to the fire they still responded to other fire and medical calls throughout the day
“This level of response highlights the dedication of our personnel and underscores the importance of our mutual aid partners, who enable us to effectively manage multiple emergencies simultaneously,” the district said in a statement.
Assisting agencies included:
- Boardman Fire Rescue
- Pendleton Fire & Ambulance
- Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District
- Oregon State Police
- Umatilla Electric Cooperative
- Cascade Natural Gas
- Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office
- Stanfield Police Department
- Union Pacific Railroad
- Echo Fire Department
Photo from Umatilla County Fire District No. 1
