Bologna Fire Update - August 12, 2026

Crews hold Bologna Fire in current footprint, build containment

KIMBERLY, Ore. (Aug 12, 2026) – Yesterday, firefighters continued to make progress on the Bologna and Cottonwood fires and held the fires within their current footprint. With more accurate infrared mapping, the Bologna Fire is currently mapped at 4,743 acres. Today, with assistance from assigned and local aviation resources, firefighters look to hold and improve control lines, as well as mop-up operations.

Mop-up operations consist of cooling the fire’s edge to build containment. Firefighters build depth as they work deeper into the fire to cool hot spots and ensure that the perimeter of the fire is “cold black.” Mop-up operations ensure that hot spots don’t reignite later in the summer and loft embers outside of the fire’s perimeter. Portions of the fire line that are fully contained are continually patrolled throughout the summer.

With containment over 70% on the Cottonwood Fire, the incident will stop providing updates unless conditions change significantly. 

Today, personnel with ODF CIMT-3 will scout the 63-acre Little Bear Fire with the intent to assume command of fire operations tomorrow morning. The Little Bear Fire is roughly 7 miles north of John Day, to the east and along Highway 395.

The National Weather Service predicts a potential for lightning and thunderstorms beginning today and extending through the weekend. Extremely dry conditions persist in the region, which could allow for active, quickly spreading fires. Incident personnel are prepared to assist local initial attack resources as needed.

Evacuations: Grant County Emergency Management has Level 2 “BE SET” evacuations for areas near the Bologna and Cottonwood fires. For complete and up‑to‑date information, please visit their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.The public is asked to avoid the area for everyone’s safety and to support firefighting operations.

Air Quality Information: Air quality updates: https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Fire restrictions: Officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating is EXTREME and Phase C Public Use Restrictions are in effect for the Umatilla National Forest. For more information regarding restrictions, please contact:

Umatilla National Forest
Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663
https://fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla
Blog: https://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF

X: @UmatillaNF