Salmon Fire Update - July 17, 2026

Northwest Team 12

 Salmon Fire   

  July 17, 2026   

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

 

Total Resources: 41 engines; 31 crews; 20 heavy equipment; 32 water tenders; 5 helicopters; 1155 personnel

There will be a community meeting in-person at Prairie City School today at 6 PM for the Salmon, Olive Butte, and Anthony Fires. The meeting will be streamed virtually on Salmon Fire OR 2026 Facebook. The community is encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via email to ensure team members can address them in their presentations.

Fire containment further increased on the Salmon Fire and nearby Granite saw evacuation levels lower from level 3 to level 2. Structural preparations are nearing completion in the communities of Granite and Greenhorn. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Incident Management Team (Green Team) and the remaining task force will be demobilizing tomorrow as the threat to structures diminishes. Wildland resources remain committed to protecting homes in the area and structural task forces can return if conditions warrant. OSFM resources are responding to new fires, currently all three OSFM Incident Management Teams are actively protecting communities across the state.

Firefighters and aircraft assisted with local initial attack fires yesterday and resources remain available as needed for new starts again today.

Salmon Fire: Size: 1,508 acres | Start Date: July 8, 2026 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 15%

Firefighters completed handline construction to the wilderness boundary yesterday, aided by wetting rain and cooler temperatures. On the east flank of the fire, several fire crews continue to make progress securing the fireline as the high elevation and heavy timber fuels present challenging conditions. Firefighters are building direct handline at the head of the fire where the fire enters the wilderness. Hotshots are going direct to build handline along the fire’s edge when and where conditions allow.

Olive Butte Fire: Size: 2,652 acres | Start Date: July 8, 2026 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 10%

Engine crews continue to work building hoselays, mopping up, and securing the fireline. They constructed a hoselay on the east side of the fire, thanks in part to the cooler weather. Hotshot crews are going direct on the western fire flank where possible and are working north from the dozer line to FS Road 13. A heavy helicopter dropped water on the most active part of the fire along the northeast flank, where crews are prepping FS Road 13 for a limited firing operation. Fire resources are scouting options in the Ruby Creek area for potential fireline locations to limit fire flanking into the wilderness. Structure protection continues to be the main priority on the west flank to keep the fire from moving into areas around homes. Out of an abundance of caution, firefighters began wrapping structures with fire resistant wrap at Freemont Power House, and are working to improve structure protection around threatened values.

Weather and Smoke: It will be slightly warmer and drier today, with temperatures 80-85 and winds SW 8-10 mph, gusting to 15 mph. 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: There is a Salmon, Olive Butte, and Anthony Fire Area Closure. 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/