Evacuation notices went up across parts of Umatilla and Union counties this week as the rapidly spreading Hagen Fire threatened rural communities, recreation areas and surrounding forestland. Some areas were moved straight into Level 3 "Go Now" orders, with nearby neighborhoods shifted to Level 2 or Level 1 status. State, tribal and federal crews are working together to protect structures and strengthen containment lines as road and forest closures roll out.
Who Is Under Evacuation
According to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office emergency advisories, Level 3 "Go Now" orders cover sections of the Bingham Road corridor from Iskuulpa Creek Road south along the west side of Meacham Creek and north to Forest Service Road 32, including Grouse Mountain and stretches of the Umatilla River corridor. The county’s notice says residents in Level 3 zones "should leave immediately; imminent danger in the area" and that it is unsafe to stay. Officials advised people in Level 2 and Level 1 areas to prepare to leave, gather important items and monitor official channels for changes.
Union County Updates And Spout Springs
Union County issued Level 2 and Level 1 notices for areas north of Highway 204, identifying Spout Springs Road, Canyon View Lane and the Spout Springs Ski Area among affected locations. In an update posted July 23, the county directed residents in those zones to be ready to evacuate and to follow any orders from law enforcement. Union County officials pointed people to the county website and social channels for the most current evacuation map.
State Response And Forest Closures
Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Hagen Fire on July 21, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize additional resources, according to the governor’s office. The Oregon State Fire Marshal confirmed that incident management teams and task forces were assigned to support local crews as the fire grew. The U.S. Forest Service has issued an emergency closure for the Hagen and Horse Ridge fire area, including the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, to protect public safety and support firefighting operations.
Shelter Locations, Road Closures And Alerts
An emergency shelter with clean-air space has been set up at Blue Mountain Community College’s McCrae Activity Center in Pendleton for residents affected by the fire, and livestock staging is available at the Pendleton Round-Up grounds. Umatilla County listed road closures that include Winn Road between Highway 11 and Highway 204 and sections of Bingham Road near the CTUIR boundary. Residents are urged to sign up for alerts at OR-Alert and to follow official county and tribal pages for real-time instructions.
How To Stay Informed
Officials say the most up-to-date evacuation maps and notices are being posted on county web pages and sheriff social accounts; see the Union County Sheriff’s Office for evacuation details. The governor’s office and the Oregon State Fire Marshal are posting situation updates as the response continues. People in affected areas are urged to act on Level 3 alerts immediately and to verify roads and closures with the U.S. Forest Service before travelling into forested areas.
