Update on the Fires By Greenhorn

(Pendleton, OR, July 8, 2026) —Multiple thunderstorms passed over the Greenhorn area last evening igniting several fires on the southeastern corner of the Umatilla National Forest and on the Malheur National Forest. Two of these fires are currently burning near Greenhorn. 

The Salmon Fire, estimated at 10 acres, is burning half a mile to the northwest of Greenhorn in heavy dead and down fuels and subalpine fir. This is on the boundary of the North Fork John Day Wilderness. Last night’s observed fire behavior included torching of small groups of trees and 2-5 ft flame lengths through the ground fuels. Crews are on scene and working to bring heavy equipment to the fireline where feasible. Aircraft including heavy helicopters and air attack have been ordered.  

The Greenhorn Fire, estimated at 10 acres, is also burning in dead and down fuels with subalpine fir. This fire is about 1.5 miles to the west of Greenhorn. Active fire behavior was seen until 3:00 am with torching and 2-5 ft flame lengths. Crews are working this morning to gain access with heavy equipment.  

Winds are predicted to increase this afternoon blowing out of the northwest at 8 to 15 mph with gusts up to 22 mph after 3:00 pm. The combination of predicted winds, low relative humidities and fuel loading in the area is a concern for firefighters.  

A level 3 evacuation notice for the Greenhorn area was issued by Baker County and is currently in effect.  

The public is asked to avoid the area for everyone’s safety and to facilitate the firefighting efforts.   

Officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating is at MODERATE for Umatilla National Forest. 

For the latest information regarding smoke and air quality see https://fire.airnow.gov/  

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact: 

Umatilla National Forest: 
Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663 
www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF   
X: @UmatillaNF 

The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/. 

Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla 

 About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. 

 ###