Salmon Fire Update - July 15, 2026

Northwest Team 12

 Salmon Fire   

  July 15, 2026   

    Fire Information: (541) 407-5475, 8 AM - 8 PM 

 

Total Resources: 56 engines; 19 crews; 18 heavy equipment; 23 water tenders; 5 helicopters; 900 personnel

Cooler temperatures and rain allowed Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces to near completion of structure protection measures in Granite, Greenhorn, and the surrounding areas. Sprinkler kits were deployed and several historic structures were wrapped to provide additional protection. Based on the significant work that crews have performed, incident commanders will evaluate right sizing the number of structure protection resources assigned to the fire so they can return to their home agencies or respond to other fires.

A weather system moved into the area bringing varied amounts of precipitation in surrounding communities. Only light rain fell on the two fire areas, failing to penetrate much of the timber canopy. Humidity increased significantly and firefighters made good progress yesterday on both fires during this window of moderated fire behavior.

Salmon Fire: Size: 1,519 acres* | Start Date: July 8, 2026 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 5%

Crews finished direct handline from the North Fork John Day Wilderness boundary along the ridge to Psyche Butte on the southwest flank of the fire. Further up the western flank, fire managers scouted along ridgetops close to the wilderness boundary for possible control features or fireline locations to limit fire spread. Firefighters began mop-up operations along the heel of the fire, where the fire has had minimal activity for a few days. Helicopters dropped water working in conjunction with ground crews to cool hotspots. Handline construction continues around the head of the fire and dozers continue building line up the east flank to the wilderness boundary. Engines and crews are working around structures testing pumps, hoses, and sprinklers to ensure equipment is primed and ready. * Reduction in acres due to more accurate mapping

Olive Butte Fire: Size: 2,465 acres | Start Date: July 8, 2026 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 5%

Firefighters successfully implemented limited firing operations along Forest Service Road 13 south of the Red Boy Mine to strengthen and deepen the control line by consuming small pockets of heavier fuels adjacent to the road. On the northeastern flank of the fire, fire crews worked to secure areas where fire slopped over the dozer line the previous night. Firefighters continue to stitch together roads, handline, and dozer line as close to the fire’s edge as possible on the eastern flank, including in the Beaver Creek area. Engine crews will begin setting up hoselays along the dozer line while hotshot crews engage the fire directly. Engines will also be holding and patrolling FS Road 13 to keep the fire from establishing across the road. Dozers will reinforce fireline above the Olive Creek drainage where firefighters continue structure protection efforts. Firefighters are working in the Granite community, Olive Creek drainage, and the Freemont Powerhouse area to identify any additional structure protection needs, installing portable water tanks, pumps, hoselays, and sprinklers.

Weather and Smoke: There is a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s and lower 80s with winds NW 5-10 mph, gusting to 15 mph on the ridges. For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality, check AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

Evacuations: Residents should be prepared for changes in evacuation levels as fire conditions can rapidly change. Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuations for the Greenhorn and Granite communities. To sign up for notifications in your area, visit Grant County Everbridge or Baker County Alert.

Closures and Safety: The Salmon, Olive Butte, and Anthony Fire Area Closure has been updated. The public is asked to avoid the fire closure area for everyone’s safety and to facilitate firefighting efforts. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under this TFR, as firefighting helicopters and aircraft cannot fly when drones are present.

 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orumf-salmon-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalmonFireOR2026 

Salmon Fire Information: (541) 407-5475, 8 AM – 8 PM      

Email: 2026.salmon@firenet.gov

Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog: https://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/