Bologna Fire Update - July 23, 2026

Bologna Fire Update

July 23, 2026

Contact Fire Information: 541-901-8033 

2026.Bologna@firenet.gov

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BvwdmyvaU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fire Statistics:

Start Date: July 16, 2026

Cause:  Lightning/Natural

Size:  2,269 acres

Containment:  8%

Location: 7 miles NE of Kimberly, OR

Resources Assigned:  

Total Personnel: 328

Crews: 12

Engines: 9

Heavy Equipment: 18

Current Situation:  The fire remains active, creeping and spreading across the ground through short grass and timber underbrush. Aviation assets are still in limited use due to availability. Observed fire behavior is moderate with flanking and backing, meaning the flames are steadily advancing both across and against the direction of prevailing slopes and winds. In isolated areas single tree torching is a observed.

Shifting local winds out of the northwest this afternoon have potential to push fire toward the south. Gusty, unpredictable storm winds also raise the risk of "spotting". Firefighters are operating under a direct suppression strategy, responder and public safety is the top priority. 

Crews are taking advantage of strategic windows to build direct containment lines in steep, rugged terrain while heavy equipment constructs contingency lines as back-up barriers ahead of the fire. Operations are focusing efforts on establishing strong holding features along the southern edge to safeguard Kimberly and Highway 402 corridor. 

Due to recent lightning activity resources are responding to potential new starts within the closure area.

Emergency notifications and evacuation updates are coordinated through local Emergency Management. Residents near the fire area are encouraged to stay informed through official fire information.

Weather and Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM PDT due to dangerous fire weather conditions. Temperatures are expected in the high 90s paired with low relative humidity, creating an environment where vegetation dries out completely and ignites with ease. High-level dry air combined with approaching thunderstorms expected after 11:00 AM brings a high threat of severe, gusty, and unpredictable outflow winds. Although overnight humidity recoveries will offer moderate relief in the 55% to 60% range, the extreme heat, low humidity, and erratic thunderstorm winds present a high risk for extreme fire behavior and rapid growth. For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Evacuations and Closures: Refer to your local county Sheriff’s office for current evacuations information:

• Grant County Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/p/Grant-County-Emergency-Management-100068819321423/
• State of Oregon Fire Information: https://geohub.oregon.gov/apps/oregon-geo::raptor-real-time-assessment-and-planning-tool-for-oregon/explore
• Morrow County Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowCountyEM 

Safety: Officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating is at HIGH for Umatilla National Forest and Public Use Restrictions Phase B are in effect on the forest. Please remember unauthorized drone flights can shut down aerial firefighting operations, making fires grow larger, threatening more lives, property, and critical habitats. If You Fly, We Can’t!